AN HISTORIC cinema has completed its first phase of a £100,000 renovation project.

The Playhouse Cinema, in Louth, which is part of the Parkway Cinema family, has had its final digital screen installed in screen three, together with a complete new look and layout adding to the viewing experience for cinemagoers.

The digital projection technology will allow audiences to enjoy live broadcasts such as plays and ballet when a satellite dish is installed.

The screen has also been moved on to a different wall and given a new lease of life with new decor in Parkway colours and style, carpets and new seating and ceiling lights.

The refurbishment of the Playhouse is being undertaken by Andrew Blades Building Services, of Louth.

Cinema manager Kirsty Dobson said owner Gerald Parkes is keen to enhance the history of the original building.

She said: "We very much want to retain the art deco theme of the building. Gerald has found the original doors in the cellar and will be installing them as part of the renovation to the foyer, which is the next stage.

"We are really pleased with the finished result of screen three. Digital technology means we can be more flexible with the type of films and programmes we can now show."

The refurbishment of the foyer will see a larger retail area, two box office ticket stands and will allow cinemagoers to be able to pre-book their tickets for the first time.

The Playhouse will remain open as usual throughout the refurbishment of the foyer in April.

The building on Cannon Street started off as a Victorian chapel and was developed into a Playhouse in the 1920s.

During the golden age of the cinema in the 1930s, a new frontage was added and new staircase.

Parkway took ownership of the Playhouse in 1996 where it was developed into a three-screen cinema.