WITH the cost of travelling to London to enjoy top quality theatre quite expensive, a dales arts centre has come up with a cheaper alternative.

A donation from the Cooperative’s community fund will enable Leyburn Arts Centre to show live performances direct from the National Theatre in London.

Launched in June 2009, each broadcast is filmed in front of a live audience. Cameras ensure cinema-goers get the ‘best seat in the house’ every time. The picture and sound are beamed via satellite to authorised cinemas, in both real time and high definition.

The donation of several thousand pounds by the Co-op enabled the arts centre to buy a satellite dish and gain ancillary planning permission for its erection. Last month saw a successful showing of David Hare’s new political drama “ I’m not running”. Now the team at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre has agreed a schedule of performances in which they will link up live with the National Theatre London every month.

The first of these, planned for April 11, is “All About Eve “(12A) and stars Gillian Anderson and Lily James. It asks why our fascination with celebrity, youth and identity never seems to get old.

Spokesman for Leyburn Art Centre Jeannie Bishop said :“We are so excited to be able to steam live performances of top quality theatre productions for just £12 which is a faction of the cost and with considerably less travelling.

“Thanks to the Coo-op we all get the best seat in the house.”

For tickets or for more information see leyburnartscentre.com or contact 01969 624510.