Panto in Peterborough 'saved' despite concrete closure

The deputy leader at Peterborough City Council said pantomime was "saved" (picture from Cinderella at the Key in 2021)

A theatre that was forced to shut after unsafe concrete was discovered has said pantomime season has been saved.

Key Theatre in Peterborough closed its main auditorium last month after Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was found in the roof.

Other parts of the building were unaffected.

Landmark Theatres, which runs Key Theatre, confirmed remedial works would be completed in time for this year's production of Aladdin.

Peterborough City Council found Raac at two venues in the city centre including the Key Theatre

The owner of the building, Peterborough City Council (PCC), said it was working with Landmark Theatres "to agree on a timeframe for full roof replacement that will minimise the impact on the theatre's schedule".

Work would start on a temporary structure at the theatre on 9 October, the project would be completed by the end of November and the Key would open on 2 December for the first showing of Aladdin, the council said.

Since the main auditorium shut, the majority of the theatre's programme was rescheduled or moved to other spaces including The New Theatre on Broadway.

'Panto saved'

Paul Jepson, the chief executive of Landmark Theatres, said he was "pleased" that a timely solution was found.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support during this challenging time. This support demonstrates how much this venue means to our audiences and artistic community here in Peterborough," he added.

Conservative deputy leader for Peterborough City Council Steve Allen said "it's fantastic that pantomime at Key has been saved".

"This means thousands of children and families who have already booked tickets will not be let down," he said.

The Regional Pool on Bishop's Road was also shut over Raac concerns last month. PCC said a full structural survey was still being completed on the facility.