The effects of the pandemic are still being felt at Broadway Cinema and Theatre – notably a significant change in footfall levels. We have also noticed our customers cinema going patterns have changed due to the increasing cost of living. The Board of Trustees at the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation has taken some decisions in response to this, which include the development of the existing offer, and the closure of the venue on some days.
The board has committed to develop a brand new boutique cinema offer in one of the cinema auditoria, offering an alternative cinema-going experience, in line with the changing needs of our customers. More details on this will be available in due course.
In order to facilitate these exciting developments, to mitigate the soaring costs of operations, and to better align our offer with the patterns of our customers; the Foundation has also taken the decision to consolidate the cinema offer by opening from Wednesday-Sunday each week. The two days’ closure will enable the cinema team to focus on delivering the existing first class cinema offer, better manage costs and work on the further developments.
Following the restrictions put in place during the pandemic, Broadway Cinema & Theatre have upgraded their ticketing system. This means that a new and improved website has been launched at www.broadway-letchworth.com This includes enhanced ability to take card payments online and on site. Cinema operators across the UK have raised ticket prices by as much as 40% since the pandemic, and Broadway Cinema & Theatre are pleased that they are able buck this trend, with ticket prices in 2023 only rising by £1, to assist with the increase in cost of operating the venue. The popular weekend Kids Club will remain at £1.75 per ticket.
All of these developments are made with the customer in mind, and the team at the Foundation are excited about the future of the venue. Graham Fisher, Chief Executive of the Foundation said: “As one of our core charitable objectives, we’re committed to improving the Recreation and Leisure offer in Letchworth Garden City, and running Broadway Cinema & Theatre is a key part of that commitment. That includes the Foundation making a large financial subsidy of some £0.5m this year that enables the cinema to operate. Due to the increases in operational costs, and the changes in customer behaviour due to the pandemic and the rising cost of living, this subsidy has tripled in the last three years. The programme of changes that we’re making enables us to bring this cost down and to spend money more equitably across our charitable objectives, and to focus our funds and efforts on enhancing the overall cinema offer. On behalf of the cinema team, and the whole of the Foundation, thank you for your continued support of this wonderful local venue. We’re proud to be custodians of such a treasure and look forward to welcoming our regular and new customers to the cinema throughout 2023 and beyond.”
