LUDLOW Assembly Rooms is looking to roll out more informal events after obtaining feedback from its customers. 

The Castle Street site has just finished a successful panto season, and has plenty of events lined up this year covering a wide range of genres. 

"2023 was a year of change for Ludlow Assembly Rooms," said theatre manager, Jess Laurie.

"Making culture accessible to young people is extremely important to us so we set up MaLARkey, our kids membership scheme, as well as launching our Youth Access Initiative, making live streams of theatre, opera, ballet, and classical concerts more accessible to the young people in our community by offering tickets at just £5 for under 18s.

We had a record breaking panto in December, selling over 7,000 tickets for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with some wonderful reviews.

"We are already selling tickets for our 2024 pantomime, Beauty and The Beast (early bird prices are in place until March) and it will be even bigger and better.

"We have been gathering our customers' opinions via a survey since the panto and we are listening to the feedback that says we need to widen our offering to more affordable, informal events.

Ludlow Advertiser: Promoting the new year and season of entertainment at Ludlow Assembly Rooms are, from left: Jess Laurie, Tim Hughes, Amana Winchester and Mike Penn Promoting the new year and season of entertainment at Ludlow Assembly Rooms are, from left: Jess Laurie, Tim Hughes, Amana Winchester and Mike Penn (Image: Rob Davies)

"This will look like a rolling programme of comedy, informal film screenings, discos and small-scale live events on Fridays in Oscars (or the Sticky Carpet as you may remember it), so lots of exciting planning to be done.

"Arts venues are totally reliant on the support of their communities, whether that's through becoming a member or by buying tickets.

"It really helps if people buy early so we know we can go ahead without risk.

"Cinema is taking a huge hit with the rapid expansion of streaming at home so if you want to be able to visit your local cinema in five years time, you've got to use it now."

Some of the events taking place this year include a performance from world-renowned flamenco guitarist, Juan Martin on February 2 and Peppa Pig cinema experience during half-term, as well as plenty of talks from local experts.

"We are so proud to be at the epicentre of four festivals this year - Borderlines Film, Ludlow English Song Weekend, Ludlow Piano Festival and for 2024, Ludlow Fringe which will include Harry Hill and Romeo and Juliet in Ludlow Castle," added Ms Laurie.