Leamington’s Spa Centre benefits from techy revamp

Following a two-month closure, the centre in Newbold Terrace has re-openened for the autumn season, having spent around £75,000 of pre-allocated funds on sharpening up its lighting and sound equipment and buying new equipment.

The venue also has a new technical staffing team - and the cinema, which had to close earlier this year due to a lack of funds to upgrade its resources, is set to make a return in the new year.

Centre manager David Guilding said: “There’s pretty much no type of show we can’t do now.

“While audiences may not notice the difference, they will see a wider range of shows in our programme.

“We can host the bigger dramas that are on tour and our pantomime will have much better special effects.

“This place was set up for one-nighter rock and roll and comedy shows, but dramas need a lot more subtle lighting and equipment.”

Mr Guilding explained that the cinema had to close because it was restricted in the type of films that could be screened due to outdated equipment. He said: “The council has agreed to allocate a maximum of £37,000 towards buying and installing new equipment. It’s so we can get all the latest films more quickly and stream live events from the likes of the National Theatre and the Opera House. We’re also planning for a cinema club.

“There is not much point in us becoming another blockbuster cinema - we also want to serve the minor interests.

“It’s still going to be an arthouse cinema, but with more films and screenings that are more reliable.”

The next big event at the Spa Centre will be the second Leamington Comedy Festival in October, which will see live comedy events at the centre, as well as in parks, pubs and at the LAMP off Adelaide Road.

For details, visit www.leamingtoncomedy.com