Birmingham MAC's Christmas show to open after Raac fears

There had been fears the show would not go ahead

A festive show which faced cancellation over crumbling concrete will go ahead after theatre bosses repurposed part of their venue.

Birmingham's Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) has adapted its gallery space so dance-circus company Motionhouse can stage the production.

Parts of the centre were closed in October after Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was identified.

The building, in Cannon Hill Park, has remained opened to the public.

But sections of the roof in the Main Theatre, Weston Studio and Painting and Drawing Studio were found to contain the potentially dangerous material.

At the time, the centre said spaces would temporarily close for building work in line with government guidelines.

The festive show will be taking place this month and next

Following a rapid adaptation, Motionhouse will stage the performance in the new space.

Titled Starchitects Save Santa! promoters promised "intergalactic Christmas story the whole family will enjoy".

The run will begin on Friday and continue until 30 December.

'Daring mission into space'

Motionhouse said the show, which is based on its Starchitects series, had been enjoyable to put together despite the last-minute change.

"[We] are very much looking forward to sharing this new Starchitects adventure with audiences throughout the festive season," a spokesperson said.

"Come along and cheer on our intrepid Starchitects as they blast off on a daring mission into space to save Santa."

Parts of the Midlands Arts Centre had to close after Raac was discovered

A MAC spokesperson said earlier this month it would make use of flexible and unique space to limit disruption.

"We are liaising closely with our partner companies, artists and performers," a statement read.