WALES' oldest theatre site is moving into the digital age.

The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth which has been showing films on 35mm reels for 103 years will screen its last ever 35mm film tonight before switching over to digital technology next week.

'The Look of Love', which stars, Steve Coogan, is the last film to be screened using the current projector which was given to the theatre by the Empire at Leicester Square.

A new 21st century digital projector will be installed next week so that films can be downloaded onto a new system.

The Monmouth Savoy Theatre Trust, which looks after the Grade II- Listed Savoy Theatre and cinema in Church Street, has brought big names to Monmouth in the past two years, including Michael McIntyre and Julian Clary.

Mike Harrold, projectionist and front-of-house manager, said the equipment needs upgrading because films available on 35mm will probably disappear by summer as digital films are brought in.

Mr Harrold, 31, said: "I will be sad to see the end of 35mm reel but it's an exciting time for myself and fellow projectionist Paul Halpin."

"We'll keep hold of the current projector but changing to digital will mean that we can now compete in an increasingly competitive market."

The cost of running digital equipment is miniscule compared to their current old-fashioned set up.

The new projector was donated by a private individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, following a campaign by Trustees to raise £30,000 to upgrade the cinema equipment.

Chris Ryde, the Trust's Director, added: "It keeps the Savoy at the forefront of cinema technology and means Monmouth audiences can continue to enjoy the best new films as soon after release as possible."

He added: "We are very grateful to the many individuals who have contributed to the fundraising efforts and hope that the whole community will continue to support the theatre as it moves into the next chapter of a long and distinguished history."

The first film to be shown using the new equipment will be 'Behind The Candleabra' on June 28.

Theatre was founded in 1794

THE Savoy Theatre is believed to be the oldest theatre site in Wales. The 400-seat auditorium can be traced back to 1794 and became the town's first cinema in 1910. It is privately-owned by the MacTaggart family which leases the building to the Trust.

During the 18th century travelling companies of players performed at The Bell Theatre Assembly room as it was then known.

From 1887 theatre productions moved to the Rolls Hall and the building was turned into a roller skating rink and it was known as 'The Rinkeries'.

In 1910 it opened as the 'Picture Palace and Variety Theatre' with a showing of the funeral procession of Edward VII.

Over the years it continued to show a variety of acts and silent films such as 'Woman's Martyrdom' and 'The Riding Master's Perfidy' and 'Captain Blood'.

It was sold in 1926 and after a refurbishment opened as the new 'Picture House', in 1928.

It was re-named The Savoy in the 80s under the ownership of The MacTaggart family.

In 2004 it underwent a major refurbishment and costs around £50,000 a year to run. It is leased to the Trust, which runs the theatre with the help of two staff-members and over 40 volunteers.