Ever since Southgate Cinemaworld reopened as Northern Lights Theatre Pub in 2004, the owner Kevin Roudebush has made it a priority to experiment with different events that add to the movie going experience and beyond. These events have targeted various audiences across the age spectrum including: Various sports events (both local and national), sensory sensitive shows, comedy performances, and a special event called “Double Play Saturday”. These special Saturday events are geared toward children, offering a live theatrical performance and then a movie. Lunch is included with the ticket price and is typically pizza, a drink, and some candy. “Lights, Comedy, Laughs” is Northern Lights’ monthly live comedy show, featuring comedians from all over the US, typically for those 21 and older. Unfortunately, this event and Double Play Saturday seem to not be in rotation anymore.
An important event that is still in rotation is the Sensory Sensitive shows. These events are for audience members with “autism and other special sensory needs”. The lights are on and the volume is lower for these experiences. With no requirement to remain still in your chair, audience members are encouraged to move as they need and to “walk around, dance, sing, clap, and shout”. Families are also encouraged to bring their own food if they have allergies, in contrast with theaters that typically discourage that. Other key elements of these events include warmer temperatures and no advertisements.
If interested, there is information about upcoming Sensory Sensitive showings, plus what to expect listed on Northern Lights Theatre Pub’s main website!
