Despite the dreadful design of the Watermans centre it was a great venue in the middle to late 80's and was well renowned on the arts circuit as a must for many.Thunderbirds FAB the stage play, was performed there and went on to the west end, critics from the national press sat up and took notice and film and tv producers also found it a source of ideas.The cinema though, at that time, was always a bit duff suffering poor prints and poor sound.The main area though, was always dogged by a low ceiling and so many columns that almost every viewing position was obscured. Even though good performers were booked, the venue was frustratingly poor and gradually punters and performers drifted away.The place never had a proper facility for it's superb riverside, how the architects missed that I'll never know.Now it is the reverse and the cinema boasts good sound and very good projection image quality. It mixes mainstrem cinema with the best of overseas cinema and there is a good balance of extremely watchable films and even a few howlers.The indian food is generally not bad at all although it sometimes has been a bit below par, as has the bar. But it is a great little venue. But, If I won euromillions, I would bequeath the town a new version. Knock it down and build a centre that is not confounded by pillars & low ceilings .A slightly bigger better more comfortable cinema, a large over river terrace, floating performance pontoons, a secure car park and some activity arts areas as well as a pillar free main area.What we need is a modern day Thomas Carnegie!
Michael Brandt ● 5292d