Spalding theatre groups vow to play role in ‘vibrant’ future for South Holland Centre

Drama groups have vowed to do all they can to safeguard the future of the South Holland Centre – and hope the district council can turn its ‘warm words’ into real action to build a vibrant future.

Spalding’s theatre has weathered a number of storms, including staff cuts in 2021, struggles finding new catering contractors and running costs totalling £124,000 more than budgeted last year – with falling film ticket sales partly to blame.

South Holland District Council’s Tracey Carter, deputy leader and portfolio holder for communities and operational housing, recently said the venue “is a hub for both residents and visitors in the district”.

We tapped into the wisdom of the groups who use the centre for what they think is needed to make sure it thrives in the future.

The centre suffered from temporary closures – with flooding following the pandemic – and changes to the staffing structure in 2021 slashed more than £200,000 from the cost of running a multi-use centre.

It was hoped the new council partnership with Boston and East Lindsey could lead to better marketing, making greater use of the venue and generally being more ‘commercial’.

There are some positive signs for the centre - with the forthcoming pantomime Beauty and the Beast, produced by Polka Dot Pantomimes, sold-out shows such as The Best In Comedy with headliner Iain Stirling this month and Spalding’s Zeph Churchill’s debut sell-out Is It Me Or Is It Hot In Here last month.

Theatre companies and groups who regularly use the centre - such as The Anglia Comedy Co, St Nicolas Players, Spalding Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (SADOS), Polka Dot Pantomimes and Act II Theatre Company - are vital for the continued success and community engagement.

Karl Gernert, director of Spalding’s Act II, has taken seven shows to the centre this year and echoed the council’s sentiments of the importance of the venue.

He said: “The centre is a vital asset to the town and district and we are lucky to still have it when other market towns have lost similar facilities.

“I would welcome further investment, particularly development of the function space, and am pleased to hear positive sounds coming from Priory Road.

“I hope this can be translated into real action, and that SHDC work with and listen to the dedicated staff of the South Holland Centre who know what the building needs and is capable of.”

Act II develops opportunities in music and drama in Spalding and will perform a concert of Andrew Lloyd Webber music with its choir later this month at Broad Street Methodist Church and put on its annual revue at the studio, as well as investing in future shows at the centre.

Mr Gernert said: “Next year we are doing four shows in four months at the centre, so, as you can see, we have a vested interest and are hopefully doing our bit in keeping the centre vibrant.”

Bigger names stars are also helping to sell shows at the centre – Iain Stirling, voice of Love Island is closing The Best In Comedy show this month and this had a full house booked well in advance –plus Shaun Ryder from the Happy Mondays is booked for 2025.

Alex Lingham, from The Anglia Comedy Co, said: “I would echo the councillor's thoughts regarding safeguarding of local venues, not only because they host some fantastic touring shows that attract some famous names to a relatively small town but also because of the opportunities such an asset can provide for the surrounding community, through a variety of projects.

“Not every town the size of Spalding is lucky enough to have a venue like the South Holland Centre.

“Spaces like this, and the hard-working teams that run them, should be cherished - as they'd be sorely missed if they were to ever disappear.”

Darren Maddison, owner of Polka Dot Pantomimes, said: “We are incredibly grateful that the community supports the pantomime every year and, since covid, have actually seen an increase in audience figures proving that the South Holland Centre is a much-needed asset in Spalding.

“The pantomime and other shows encourage residents to use the town centre amenities which can help the sustainability of local shops and restaurants.

“We fully support Coun Carter’s view that South Holland Centre should be safeguarded to ensure it can provide entertainment to the residents of South Holland for many years to come.”

Coun Carter said it was crucial they look to invest in the centre to safeguard it.

A strategic plan for the ongoing improvement and development of the centre was recently submitted to councillors for feedback.