My most significant memory of the Grand is when I was a child and our class got invited to watch a show. When we came to the performance, I remember just being glued to what was happening, the actors, how dramatic and talented they were – it blew me away.
I didn’t visit the theatre with my parents, but I thought to myself that this is something I want to start with my own family. When my son, Zayn, was around six, Gangsta Granny was being shown. He had just been reading David Walliams books and I knew that he’d love to go and see the show, so my husband and I surprised him with the tickets. We went to watch it together, just me and Zayn, and it was just a nice mother and son bonding experience.
Since then I started a tradition in my family where I take my children each year to watch a big show.
I also remember my 2 younger sisters graduating at the Grand. The ceremony was held there, they were allowed 3 visitors so it was my mum, my dad and myself. I was really blessed, happy and humbled to be part of that because there is nothing more fulfilling as an older sister than watching your younger siblings thrive.
It was always exciting when I came that first time as a little child, exciting when I shared it with my son and my sisters, and it’s exciting now with the new multicultural hub.
I envisage the hub as a place where diverse community members are coming together without any expectations, coming into the hub and stepping into the Grand, and just seeing where that takes them whether they learn a new skill, gain new knowledge or just make new friends.
