Company could take over theatre

The running of the South Holland Centre could be farmed out and ran as part of the contract that operates leisure centres.

‘Boozy bingo’ nights, a dance festival and courses to learn jobs at theatres are among the ideas to improve ticket sales and make the centre better used.
A report by South Holland District Council assistant director of leisure and culture, Rachel Rowett praises the venue for its performance over the last 12 months.
Figures show there was a nine per cent increase in ticket sales, with an average of 68 per cent capacity per show.
The pantomime Beauty and the Beast is described as ‘incredibly successful’ with 10,646 tickets over 39 performances, which was a three per cent increase in sales from the previous year.
No financial figures were included in the report which is due to go before South Holland District Council’s Performance and Monitoring Panel today (Thursday).
In 2022 it was claimed cuts had reduced the annual losses made by the venue from £250,000 a year to £116,000.
The district council operates the South Holland Centre, but the report states it could offer out its running like it does with its leisure centre.
The report states: “The South Holland Centre is currently being considered as an option in the Leisure Tender that will be going out to contract a leisure management company for the Leisure Centres in South Holland.”
Its South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership co-partner East Lindsey District Council, has Magna Vitae, a public company that runs both its leisure centres and the Embassy Theatre in Skegness.
The proposed new events being worked on for the South Holland Centre include ‘Easter 2025 dance festival, additional popular ‘boozy bingo’ nights, a Saturday morning kids movie and working with the Red Lion on providing afternoon teas’.
The new catering contract with Spalding pub is hailed as ‘working well’ and has been extended to March 2025.
A new AV (audio visual) club would be funded by grants from the South and East Lincolnshire Council Partnership’s Arts Council Nataionl Portfolio.
The report states: “It’s for young people to give them the opportunity to learn the technical skills required in a professional theatre.
“Weekly sessions will teach them how to use the equipment leading to opportunities to put what they learn into practice.
“These sessions are due to start in May.”
New initiatives also include lunchtime films being screened on market days and an apprentice being recruited in a bid to increase its social media presence.
The report concludes: “The South Holland Centre is a key cultural facility that is utilised by all ages.
“The team are continually working to improve the visitor experience, increase income while running an efficient service, generate new audiences and maintain the loyal customer base the centre has developed.”