National Theatre screenings coming to Kings Somborne thanks to community support
Somborne Community Cinema is set to bring world-class performances to Kings Somborne Village Hall in 2026, following a contribution from Test Valley Borough Councillors.
The cinema has been part of village life for four years, offering a high-quality audio-visual experience and creating a welcoming space for residents. Its Monday matinee programme at the village hall, launched as part of the warm space initiative, has become a social lifeline during the winter months. Now, the team plans to expand its offering to include screenings of opera, theatre, ballet and drama from the National Theatre.
Councillor Ian Jeffrey said; “This funding will help make cultural events more accessible to our communities. People won’t need to travel to Salisbury, Winchester or Southampton to enjoy these performances – they’ll be right here in Kings Somborne.”
The matinee events have had a positive impact on those attending, particularly older residents who find it difficult to travel or afford mainstream theatre prices. Last year, the Mottisfont minibus brought people from across Test Valley, creating new friendships and a real sense of community. Expanding the programme to include evening performances will give even more people the chance to enjoy high-quality cultural experiences closer to home.
The screenings are part of a strict National Theatre Live contract, which means ticket prices are set between £10 and £25. The cinema team plans to keep prices as low as possible to encourage attendance, but additional funding is essential to cover hall hire, promotion and refreshments – all of which have been key to the success of previous events.
Without this support, the community would lose one of its few regular social activities during the winter months, undoing much of the progress made in bringing people together over recent years.
For more information about upcoming screenings, visit www.sombornecommunitycinema.co.uk
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