theatre, cinema and the arts

A dynamic and diverse cultural scene

The arts in Greater Lincoln takes in everything from film, comedy, drama, classical music, jazz, ballet and contemporary dance, to current bands and cutting-edge comedy.

At the heart of it all is Lincoln's Theatre Royal, featuring a splendid rococo interior that is the staging place for plays, musicals and pantomimes, not to mention tribute acts, comedy and even wrestling. And of course, for the latest blockbuster films there's the nine-screen Odeon cinema located on the waterfront next to lots of pubs and restaurants. In Gainsborough, the Sands Venue has the added attraction, along with world-class entertainment, of exquisite food in its restaurant and The State Club, for live music, night club and cinema weekends.

Lincoln's Drill Hall was once used for police and military training. Nowadays it hosts all sorts of events (the Rolling Stones played here on New Year's Eve 1962) and has undergone a £s2.6 million refurbishment. Just down the road is the region's foremost gigging venue, the Engine Shed. This former railway building is also home to the university's Students' Union and a busy bar/café.

The latest addition to Greater Lincoln's cultural offering is LPAC (Lincoln Performing Arts Centre). This purpose-built venue has been designed to host drama, comedy, ballet, classical music and contemporary dance productions. Recently it's also put on a series of jazz lunchtimes and featured art displays in its foyer gallery.