THE third phase of an historic cinema's £200,000 refurbishment has been completed.
The Playhouse Cinema, in Louth, has opened its newly refurbished Screen Two to the public following a three-month closure.
It now boasts a larger micro-perforated silver screen – which is designed for 3D films – a dropped stadium and wheelchair access.
Owner Gerald Parkes is thrilled with the screen, which is now showing Ang Lee's Life of Pi in 3D.
He said: "I am delighted with the new screen and I know the people of Louth and those who use the cinema will enjoy it."
The cinema was built in 1935 and is loved by the people of Louth, who are proud to have an independent cinema with a history, rather than a modern multiplex.
Refurbishing the screen is part of an ongoing project, which has already seen a new screen and seating in Screen Three, updating the main foyer and introducing online and advanced bookings.
Mr Parkes said: "We have to offer the latest all singing, all dancing facilities, but we are keen to retain the history of Louth's cinema, too. It has got to be scaled down, but there is no reason why an independent cinema in a small town can't have decent standards, which is all we are trying to achieve."
During the refurbishment, Mr Parkes also uncovered some of the original doors which were changed in the 1970s and has reused them to pay homage to the art deco theme of the theatre.
All screens are now digital – like its sister cinema, the Parkway Cinema, in Cleethorpes – and phase four, the refurbishment of Screen One, will be complete by the end of next year.
Mr Parkes said: "It is so far, so good. The main foyer is done, we have improved the screens and the seating arrangements and people can book online and in advance. Screen Two is at a very high standard.
"Now we are looking forward to improving the main foyer outside Screen Two and improving Screen One."
