The Broadway opened on 2 September 1937 as an Odeon cinema, with Irene Dunne in “Theodora Goes Wild” (in which the author of a controversial, racy best-selling book tries to hide her celebrity status from her provincial small-town neighbours, who would be scandalised if they knew). The venue was designed by Harry Weedon (revising an earlier design by Roland Satchwell) and has a fine streamlined modern Art Deco style auditorium.

Now seating 1,140 in stalls and balcony, when the ground floor’s removable seats are taken out, it can seat and stand 1,800 customers. This is now one of the finest interiors remaining from the original Odeon chain, giving a true feel of a 1930s cinema palace.

Modern, comfortable and clean with a light and airy decor, The Broadway is a fabulous building which has in-built versatility. The venue is suitable for staging full theatre productions, live music, cinema, comedy, themed events, galas, and so on.

"The Broadway is going to play a key part in reinvigorating the community. We will be bringing positive, memorable occasions and nights out to those who would otherwise have to travel further afield to savour what we will have on offer, and meaning less need to have to travel to London." Dr Peter Dawe, The Dawe Charitable Trust