Description

AGMP Presents Hue & Cry at Glassbox Theatre Gillingham on Friday 19th January 2024

Description

The Assembly is a stunning, art-deco, multi-function venue in the heart of Leamington Spa. It opened its doors in the summer of 2008 after a multi-million pound redevelopment designed by Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen. The venue won the highly coveted Music Week Award for ‘Best Live Music Venue’ in 2010 after winning the award for ‘Best Live Entertainment Venue’ at the 2009 Godiva Awards.

Built in 1926, the venue was originally named The Bath Assembly Hall. Its Art-Deco interior, indicative of the period, was the setting for balls and dances where the Foxtrot, Waltz and Quickstep were the moves of the moment. It was later named The Palais de Danse where local dancer, Robert Creelman, was master of ceremonies and music was provided by resident players, The Jack Southern Band. During this time, the venue was known for its own dance step; The Palais Glide and the building continued to host dances throughout the 30s and 40s when it was popular with locally-based American servicemen. Renamed again in 1952 as The Embassy Ballroom (later to inspire the Embassy Days events!), it continued to hold dances and local events until it became a bingo hall.

Now, after a period of closure, the 1000 capacity (or 400 seated) main hall, along with all of its original decorative and architectural features, has been meticulously renovated to reveal the original beauty of the room. In contrast to the work done to exhibit the history of the building, a brand new state of the art PA and lighting rig has been installed and a new stage which offers excellent sightlines throughout the venue. The combination of a sense of history and the traditional with the need for the comfort and practicality, achieved by using cutting edge technology, is why The Assembly has become the venue of choice for artists and audiences alike. This, alongside the helpful, friendly bar staff and security team, all help to provide a welcoming and safe environment to watch a show.

Once in the venue, there is a choice of 3 bars; the main bar area has comfortable, relaxed seating and is found beyond soundproofed doors, for those who want to escape briefly! Another bar is positioned conveniently to the rear of the main hall. With a seating area providing a view of the stage, this is the ideal spot to relax while still taking in the atmosphere. The third bar provides an intimate space from the balcony to grab a drink and watch the shows from above for the optimum view of the stage and audience.

The eclectic programme of events has so far included shows with; Razorlight, The Kooks, Russell Howard, Steve Winwood, Doves, Pendulum, Patti Smith, Lee Mack, The Cribs, Corinne Bailey Rae, New York Dolls, The Stranglers, Hospitality records. Soul II Soul, Billy Ocean, Beverley Knight, Mr Scruff, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Fall, Goldfrapp and so many more.

The Assembly’s own self-promoted Club Events have become extremely popular in the area. On Saturdays you will find Mixtape, a heady mix of anthems from the 90s, 00s – present day, alongside world class DJs and underground acts such as Sigma, Chase & Status and The Hospitality line up.

The venue is accessible for disabled users via a lift and there are raised areas within the main hall from which to view the stage.

Situated next door to Leamington Spa train station and just a few minutes drive from the M40, the Assembly is ideally located for private functions, corporate events and external promoters and the events team can guide and assist you through the process of making your event a huge success.

Spencer Street,

Leamington Spa,

Warwickshire,

England,

CV31 3NF.

01926 311311