Theatres in the UK are facing closures and partial closures as concerns over deteriorating concrete resurface, raising fears about the survival of cultural institutions post-lockdown.
The Forum theatre in Stockport has had to indefinitely close its doors and cancel all scheduled shows due to the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). The theatre will remain closed until it receives approval from a structural engineer, following updated government guidelines.
Darren Stannage, the company manager of NK Theatre Arts, which operates at the Forum theatre, expressed his distress, stating, “We work with 200 children and young people every week, so to suddenly find we can’t operate at all… it’s heartbreaking.”
Several other theatres in England, such as the Orchard theatre in Dartford, the YMCA theatre in Scarborough, and the Royal and Derngate theatre in Northampton, have also suspended performances and closed their doors in response to the Department for Education’s guidance.
According to the latest advice, buildings confirmed or suspected to contain Raac should be closed until “appropriate mitigations are in place,” even if they were previously considered “non-critical.”
Over 147 schools and education settings in England have reported the presence of Raac, causing disruption for thousands of students at the start of the term. In Scotland, 16 out of 32 council areas have identified Raac in schools.
Jenny Gilruth, the Scottish education secretary, emphasized that safety is the top priority and that robust guidelines are in place to ensure the well-being of pupils, staff, and the public.
Stannage revealed his frustration about the sudden change in safety guidelines, stating, “The theatre was a safe environment… And then the following week, nothing has changed other than the guidance.”
The Brunton theatre in East Lothian, Scotland, also faced temporary closures in March due to the discovery of Raac in some of the building’s roof slabs.
The National Theatre in London is currently examining a few areas where Raac has been found. Preliminary investigations suggest that the material is safe and immediate repairs are not required.
Stannage highlighted the financial strain many theatres are experiencing after the challenges of lockdowns, low turnout, and increased operational costs during the Covid pandemic. He expressed hopes for support and emphasized the importance of culture to everyone.
Many theatres serve as community hubs, and the closures have been likened to shutting down a village. Stannage concludes with a plea for minimal disruption and a quick reopening for all organizations that consider the theatre their home.
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