The first time I came to the Grand was when my church organised a conference in the Arts Wing. It was the first time I stepped into the Grand. Before that, I only knew about this place but I had never been. It was because of the conference, I started researching the Grand theatre in more detail and I said to my daughter that we’ve got to come and see the shows.

I then visited the theatre with my daughter to watch Sister Act and Jack and the Beanstalk with a friend of mine from university.

I have many significant moments, memories and stories associated with this place. I also came here with the university because they used to run mental health awareness sessions in the Arts Wing.

Currently, as the General Manager of the African Community Centre, I’m even more involved with the Grand and this is so exciting. I hope that the Grand Multicultural Hub will create an integrative link, between monitory ethnic communities and local cultures, arts and heritage.

For instance, I was connected with this place through my church, I didn’t even think of coming to the theatre, but because I came here and I got to see the place I became interested. I was fascinated with this venue and I eventually came here with my daughter and friends exposing them to the beauty of the Grand and the traditional theatrical performances such as the Pantomime.

I’m hoping that the history will repeat itself in the sense that the communities will have a purpose to come to the Grand because of the hub and our services, and maybe just like me, they will be coming to see the performances with friends and family.