See brilliant live broadcasts

One of its greatest but least trumpeted successes is the advent of live screenings, enabling everyone to watch top class West End productions in the comfort of their local theatre or cinema.

Gone are the days when you had to travel up to London to see that eagerly-awaited play or musical - and pay an extortionate price for the privilege.

Dunstable’s Grove Theatre has been at the forefront of this entertainment revolution.

Its first live screening in September 2013 was a toe-tapping success – Billy Elliott The Musical Live was attended by an audience of more than 500.

Sales and marketing manager Jemma Green said: “Live screenings are brilliant as they bring some of the best shows from London to your local theatre.

“Not many people could afford tickets for the Royal Ballet’s performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House or make it to the National Theatre to see Ralph Fiennes on stage. But now they’re available for a fraction of the cost of a day trip.”

Tempted? The Grove has two treats coming up – Andrea Chenier by Umberto Giordano live from the Royal Opera House at 7.15pm on Thursday, January 29, followed by Love’s Labour Lost at 7pm on Wednesday, February 11 and Love’s Labour Won at 7pm on Wednesday March 4, direct from the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Tickets are £15 with discounts available for concessions and Friends of the Grove Theatre.

> Call the Box Office on 01582 884194.