Express & Star

Wolverhampton Grand at 125: Twist in Grand tale

Gotcha! There's no getting away from the Artful Dodger, not when he has orders to bring Oliver back to the infamous Fagin's den of thieves.

Published
Oliver rehearsals in 1985

Simon Pugh, on the left, who played the Dodger in the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre production, was 13 when this picture was taken in September 1985.

His captive Steven Harris, who was 12, played the title part in Lionel Bart's smash-hit musical. They were photographed by an Express & Star snapper getting a feel for their roles in a dress rehearsal prior to the show's week-long run.

The pair were members of the talented Wolverhampton Youth Theatre who periodically got to put on shows at the prestigious venue.

It was a big step-up for Simon, then of Rosemary Avenue, Bilston, and Steven, who lived at Hilston Avenue, Penn, Wolverhampton, had previously acted in school plays.

The picture is reproduced as the Express & Star joins with the Grand to mark the theatre’s milestone 125th anniversary celebrations.

If you have memories or pictures, email 125@grandtheatre.co.uk or write to 125 Memories Project, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, WV1 1DE.