Panto moves to new venue due to Raac repair delays

A new roof is to be installed at the Key Theatre in Peterborough

A pantomime has been relocated to a different venue after repairs at a city theatre were delayed.

The Key Theatre in Peterborough is currently undergoing £2.19m of roof repairs after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was identified in October 2023.

Landmark Theatres, the operator of the Key Theatre, said: "Due to the complex nature of the work, unforeseen variables have emerged. This means the schedule of works will now run to the end of December 2025."

The Jack and Beanstalk Pantomime will be held at The New Theatre on Broadway instead, which is also run by the same operator.

The operator also said the Chalkboard café and Kindred Drama, which are located in the building, will remain open throughout the work.

'Cultural cornerstone'

After Raac was found in 2023, a new temporary roof structure costing £196,000 was installed, which helped save panto season at the theatre that year.

Since then, Peterborough City Council, which owns the building, allocated £2.19m for a longer-term programme of remedial works, including a new permanent roof and improved heating and cooling systems.

Local company Lindum was appointed to carry out the project, which began in June and was expected to finish by September.

Paul Jepson, CEO & creative director of Landmark Theatres, said: "Whilst we are delighted to confirm that our much-loved annual pantomime and festive programme will go ahead as planned, albeit at a different location, some other scheduled productions will sadly need to be cancelled or rescheduled.

"All affected customers will be contacted in the coming week with full details, including options for exchanges or refunds."

Speaking about the repairs, he added: "The key issues have now been identified and addressed, and we're confident that the remaining works are on track to be completed within the revised timeline. Robust controls are in place to ensure continued progress and timely delivery.

"The Key Theatre is more than just a building—it's a cultural cornerstone for Peterborough. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to a revitalised Key Theatre, ready for an exciting new chapter."

A temporary roof was installed in 2023 in time for Pantomime

Labour councillor Mohammed Jamil, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and corporate governance, said: "We continue to work closely with Landmark and the contractors, Lindum, to ensure that the work can be completed at the earliest opportunity.

"Once the work is completed, it will ensure that the theatre can continue to provide a vibrant cultural offering for Peterborough residents."

The BBC asked the council if the delay to repairs could have an additional financial impact on the local authority.

It said it was "too early" to comment on the total cost figure and needed to "evaluate the proposed works and sequencing".