New look Spa Centre reopens after £140,000 refurbishment

And staff are giving people the chance to look around the refurbished theatre tomorrow - including a peak backstage - ahead of its re-opening on Sunday.

Having been given £140,000 of funding two years earlier than planned by owner Warwick District Council, the subsidised venue - which hosts performances by comedians, magicians, musicians and children’s performers, as well as theatre shows and cinema screenings - has spent the money on new retractable seating in the main auditorium, new ‘cinema-style’ seats in the studio, better disabled access and a new booking service.

Manager Antony Flint said: “The most common complaint was people saying, we like the work you are doing here, but we would like to be able to see it in a better theatre. Now this seating gives people the same sort of experience as when they go to theatres in Coventry and Birmingham.

“People will always question whether it’s worth taxpayers’ money, but we have now demonstrated that we are an asset used by a wide section of the district’s population and we deliver good value for money. Big name comedians are seeking us out.”

While the centre’s box office has moved to Leamington town hall, Mr Flint said the new online and telephone booking services make it easier and cheaper to make reservations and print out e-tickets, while an in-house box office will be open on performance nights.

Entry to the open day, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to 4pm, is free and there will be guided tours, the chance to chat to staff and complimentary tea and coffee.