Grand

This is amongst the most important of Phipps’s remaining theatres and he himself regarded it as one of his most successful designs. The auditorium has a remarkable degree of intimacy for its size. This is achieved largely by two means. First: the width is greater than the maximum depth. Second: the rows of the balconies, especially the first one, are very fully curved and come around close to the stage to the detriment, it must be admitted, of sightlines at the extreme sides. This drawback, however, is a small price to pay for the superbly vibrant atmosphere which this auditorium possesses.

The balconies are partly cantilevered and partly supported on iron columns, and have plasterwork of early Renaissance character. The ends of the balconies are separated from the stage by a single box on each side at dress circle level. These are framed by fluted Corinthian columns which carry curly broken pediments. The design of the beautiful ceiling follows a pattern frequently used by Phipps - a flat, circular centre, divided into richly decorated radiating panels supported at the sides, above the upper balcony slips, by high, panelled coves. The proscenium is well related in width, 10.4m (34ft), to the scale of the auditorium. The design of its reticent rectangular frame, decorated with filigree plasterwork and surmounted by a pedimental tablet, has much in common with the proscenium which existed at Nottingham Theatre Royal prior to its removal in 1978. There was a splendid contemporary painted act-drop which is still on site but recent inspection suggests it was heavily repainted between the Wars (compare e.g. Gaiety Theatre, Douglas where the original drop is still in use). It depicted a classical landscape with dancing nymphs, hung about with elaborately swagged and tasselled draperies (the present drop is a 1997 copy of the original). The façade to Lichfield Street is of considerable width, more than 30.5m (100ft). It is in brick with painted stone dressings and the design is very French in character. In the centre is a tall, arcaded loggia, set in front of the first and second floor saloons. This is flanked at end of the façade by two-bay pavilions with steep dormered mansard roofs.

Following a threat of closure in 1969 the theatre was promptly acquired by Wolverhampton Corporation. At that time some unfortunate alterations were made (e.g. in auditorium and dress circle saloon) and the delicate arabesques on the auditorium cove were painted out, but in 1997-8 major improvements were carried out. The auditorium was restored and redecorated, additional bar and foyer spaces were created, air conditioning installed, the fly tower raised and the stage re-engineered.