The Embassy Theatre in Skegness has been part of the town since 1926. That’s nearly a century of shows, pantomimes, summer seasons and everything in between. And now, after a £4.1 million redevelopment, it’s reopened as something a bit different.
The idea behind the project is a “culture house,” a concept borrowed from Scandinavia, where arts venues are designed to be genuinely open to the whole community, not just people who already go to the theatre.
Boosting Local Engagement in the Arts
The aim is to boost local engagement in the arts and keep the venue busy all year round, East Lindsey District Council rather than ticking along on a seasonal basis.
So what’s actually changed? Quite a lot, as it turns out. The works include major upgrades to the auditorium’s seating, a remodelled entrance, a new multi-use space, an Art Deco bar, improved changing rooms, better signage, and a lift to improve accessibility throughout the building.
It’s a proper overhaul, not just a lick of paint.
The project was funded through the Skegness Towns Fund and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund, and the theatre continues to be operated by Magna Vitae, the charitable trust that partners with East Lindsey District Council.
For people in Louth and across East Lindsey, this is worth knowing about. The coast is on the doorstep, and a revamped year-round venue gives people a genuine reason to head to Skegness outside of the summer months.
If you want to see what’s on, the Embassy Theatre website is the place to check: embassytheatre.co.uk