I visited the Grand for the very first time to watch ballet. That was when I was around 9 years old. It was actually my mum that took me, my sisters and a few friends. My mum loved music and dance but we just wanted to go and see what it was all about.
That’s how I was introduced to the Grand. It’s such a gorgeous building.
I think 2 years ago, I was actually at a performance with a historian and a television presenter who was doing a tour of all the theatres. I had to go and see him because I love history.
While he was giving us a talk on the full history of the Grand, I just thought how remarkable this place is, just the building as a whole, the structure, the stalls, the paneling and the way the whole inside is made.
It’s a beautiful place and has such a rich history. It’s one of the places that survived the war and hasn’t changed. A lot of things have gone over the past 100 years, but the Grand is the one thing that’s stood the test.
For me, the Grand is a central hub and an iconic place. Everyone knows it. If you’re looking to meet somebody you always say ‘Oh I’ll meet you in front of the Grand theatre’.
It’s where people get together, to have a drink, to have a meal, to enjoy fun shows with their friends and family. The Grand is a mark of entertainment, unlike the cinema, the Grand is live, it’s live events.
It’s a place that brings people together from all corners of the earth no matter what your tastes and interests are.