Commemorative Plaque for Charles John Phipps Wolverhampton Charles John Phipps, an experienced theatre architect designed the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton in the early 1890's. The foundation stone was laid on 28th June, 1894 by Mrs. C. T. Mander, who at the time was Lady Mayoress. The theatre was built by Henry Gough and cost £10,000. It opened on 10th December 1894. The first performance was Gilbert & Sullivan's opera 'Utopia Limited'. It was performed by Mr. R. D'Oyly Carte's company and all of the 2,151 seats were taken.