The Imax cinema in Paceville will be doubling as a theatre for plays, adding another level of entertainment to the night-life zone and some culture to the clubbing scene.

Following a few changes to maximise the use of the space, including the creation of a sufficiently wide and deep stage in front of the gigantic screen, which is now used as a normal cinema, it can be put to work as an "unconventional" theatre.

Eden Leisure Group marketing manager Kate de Cesare said the company was now testing the market and meeting production companies which, she said, had shown "excitement" at the proposal.

The space lacks a backstage but wings can easily be created and there is ample area around, including a foyer below, to make use of, Ms de Cesare said.

Barring a few "hiccups", including insufficient height to lower sets onto the stage, the theatre was originally created to offer optimal acoustics and viewing, and the group felt it should capitalise on the potential of its vision and sound. The cinema seats 300, plus it has the necessary infrastructure, including ushers, who can seat and distribute programmes, and facilities for ticket sales.

Lighting would have to be rigged up, depending on the needs of the particular production, Ms de Cesare said, while the large screen could be used for projections and other creative ideas.

"We are just trying to maximise the use of the 17 theatres and we know production companies are always looking for interesting venues," she said.