The Princess Alexandra Auditorium (PAA) in Yarm has made a significant investment in its catering provision to develop the services offered to visitors attending its sell-out performances.
It has sourced locally and competitively, including the ever popular Black Sheep beer, with the aim of ensuring theatre goers have the best possible experience. An investment of £3,000 in two fridges for cooling wine, lager, beer, cider and soft drinks, which include Fentimans and Bottle Green, further enhances the refreshment offering.
Building on its significant success the PAA is challenging theatre and cinema venues, bringing big name performances to the region.
Compared to large cinema complexes, which can charge nearly £5 for a soft drink, £3 for a bottle of water and a similar price for a bag of sweets, the PAA has ensured its pricing structure is cost-effective with water at £1 a bottle, red and white wine £3 a glass, Black Sheep and other beers are £4 and soft drinks from £1.
The award-winning 800-seat Princess Alexandra Auditorium, has attracted performers including musical star and Casualty actor Lee Mead, Lloyd Cole, Toyah Wilcox, comedian Jimmy Carr and former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott. In the packed and varied schedule, there is also a range of live screenings in the Friarage Theatre, from the RSC, ENO and NT Live.
Dan Brookes, Auditorium Manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer an improved refreshment package to our visitors to the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and Friarage Theatre.
“The calibre of events we are bringing to Tees Valley bears comparison to many higher-profile locations and our ambition is to create and all-round experience that lives up to the kind of talent and variety that we are increasingly attracting as a leading venue in the north.
“The feedback we get from both performers and visitors is tremendous and we are building on the burgeoning reputation the Princess Alexandra Auditorium has by investing in the things that make a good night out a great night out.”