A Grand Night Out at the Theatre

While the ‘Grand’ may be celebrating its 121st birthday this year, its age is no reflection on the quality of the shows on offer nor the facilities inside.

From musical tribute acts to Shakespeare to some of the leading comedians working in the UK today; the Grand Theatre has a full calendar for most of the year and offers something to suit all tastes.

The main theatre is 1,014 seat auditorium and in 2018 alone; headline comedy acts include TV favourites Bill Bailey, Sarah Millican, David Baddiel, Jason Manford, Joe Lycett, Rob Brydon and Dara O’Briain

For music lovers, there’s a variety of tribute acts such as The Carpenter Story, Abba Mania, The Searchers, Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn, The Upbeat Beatles, UK Pink Floyd Experience, The Bon Jovi Experience… the list goes on and on.

And that’s not all; shows such as Evita, Crazy for You will be featuring alongside operas from Verdi including Rigoletto and La Traviata which are on the stage in May.

For families with little ones, Dear Zoo, Dinosaur World Live, Peppa Pig, Milkshake! Live, David Walliams’ Awful Auntie and this year’s pantomime – Cinderella – will be running from mid-December to mid-January 2019.

In addition to the main stage, the theatre also has an Arts Wing, which is home to a smaller theatre and exhibition space. The Arts Wing showcases productions by local theatre companies as well as artistic works.

This year, productions include Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood by Luna Theatre, Alice in Wonderland by Stage 8 Theatre School and Miss Julie, an adaptation of Strindberg’s masterpiece by Fluellen Theatre.

The theatre also has its own café bar – Footlights – which is available 11am to 3.30pm Tuesday to Saturday as well as 5.00 to late on show nights and serves a variety of refreshments and alcohol.

Within 100 metres of the theatre (across the theatres pay and display car-park) is Bouchon De Rossi. This delightful, French-inspired restaurant offers flavoursome French dishes, as well as local favourites, served in an elegant yet relaxing environment.  Booking is advised, especially when the more popular acts are on in the theatre.

Being in the centre of the city, there are various other restaurant options to cater for all tastes, and if the weather is nice, the Grape & Olive is a short walk away in the Marina.

Situated at the top of Wales’ tallest building; the Grape and Olive offers unobstructed views across Swansea Bay, Mumbles and beyond and is a great place to enjoy a bite to eat and some drinks before or after the show.

More information on the shows on at The Grand Theatre as well as ticket information can be found on their website - https://www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseagrandtheatre