New cinema will bring even wider choice for movie goers in Sleaford area

The team of volunteers who run Sleaford Playhouse have welcomed news of plans to open a new, multiscreen cinema in the town, as a way of offering an even wider choice for film fans alongside their existing screen based at the theatre.

Andy Canadine, chairman of Sleaford Little Theatre, reacted enthusiastically to the announcement by North Kesteven District Council that it planned to build a four screen cinema at the side of Money’s Yard in town in partnership with independent cinema chain, Savoy.

Sleaford Playhouse theatre also houses a 92-seat cinema screen.

placeholder image — Sleaford Playhouse theatre also houses a 92-seat cinema screen.

However, Andy was keen to point out that townspeople have definitely not been in a “desert” when it comes to options for film fans.

He said: “Sleaford’s first cinema of the 21st Century has been here since September. We are the oasis in the cinema desert!”

An impression of how the cinema would be seen at night in Money's Yard. (NKDC)

Sleaford Playhouse on Westgate has been operating a 92 seat cinema venue since last September and the venue has seen over 4,000 people through its doors for screenings since it opened.

Andy said: “We are a charity who operate the Georgian Playhouse and plough all the money raised back into this important listed building in the town,” adding, “We fully support the cinema proposal and welcome the idea of a second cinema in the town.”

Once the project is completed – which could be by autumn 2027 subject to planning approval – he believed the Playhouse would be able to offer an alternative, wider, unrestricted choice, with more classic and independent films, as well as screened theatre and concerts that would not necessarily feature much in major cinema chains’ offerings.

He said: “We cannot show the very latest films because of restrictions on the amount of showings, but our cinema has been very well received.

"We are here and want to work with the new cinema, as we think we can provide a different offer.”

He urged people to visit their website and visit the theatre, which is an entirely volunteer run, community based organisation.

Upcoming showings at the Playhouse demonstrate the variety of viewing on offer, including filmed concerts and theatre. They include Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day (12A) – Wed Aug 5 (2.30pm), Thu Aug 6 (7.30pm). Toy Story 5 (PG) – Wed Aug 12 (2.30pm); Andre Rieu: Viva Maastricht! (PG) – Thu Aug 13 (7.30pm); The Odyssey (15) Wed Aug 19 (2.30pm), Thu Aug 20 (7.30pm); Minions & Monsters (U) – Wed Aug 26 (2.30pm); The Invite (15) – Thu Aug 27 (7.30pm).