News
Key Theatre, Peterborough, re-opens for bumper panto following removal of RAAC
The curtain comes up on the first performance of Aladdin on Saturday 2 December.
The curtain will come up on the first performance of Aladdin at the city’s Key Theatre in December following the completion of works to make the building safe to use. And, for the theatre, the news got better this week as they revealed the first weekend of performances are almost sold-out.
Works to build a structure on the interior of the main auditorium at the theatre to ensure the safety of the public, staff and visiting companies started on 9 October following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
Contractors have pulled out all the stops to complete the work as quickly as possible, knowing the curtain comes up on the first performance of Aladdin on Saturday 2 December.
🥳 The Key Theatre's curtain's set to go up on the first performance of Aladdin on 2 Dec following work to make the building safe after the discovery of RAAC.
👏 Well done to the contractors for completing the work so quickly.
🔗 https://t.co/B7TsHsLZWa pic.twitter.com/pUTWrqVHjp
— Peterborough City Council (@PeterboroughCC) November 22, 2023
The works completed last week and now the team at the Key are busily returning the auditorium to normal, including installing the lighting.
Councillor John Howard, deputy leader of the council, said: “It seems the genie has granted Aladdin his wish and everyone who has booked tickets for the panto will be able to enjoy the show this Christmas! I’d like to thank the contractors who worked at pace to complete the project on time.
Cllr John Howard said: “It seems the genie has granted Aladdin his wish and everyone who has booked tickets for the panto will be able to enjoy the show this Christmas.”
“In fact, it’s a double celebration, as The Key Theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary this week.
“We continue to work on a longer-term solution which will be a complete roof replacement which is currently in the design phase and will ensure the theatre can remain a key part of people’s Christmas celebrations this year.”
Staff at the theatre are now returning the auditorium back to normal, including the installation of the lighting, ready for the first performance of Aladdin in just over a week’s time.
The Chalkboard tearoom and bistro have remained open throughout, as well as other spaces including the studio theatre, box office, offices, spires rooms and swan rooms.
Cllr John Howard said: “It seems the genie has granted Aladdin his wish and everyone who has booked tickets for the panto will be able to enjoy the show this Christmas.”
Paul Jepson, CEO and Creative Director of Landmark Theatres, said: “It is a pleasure to be able to re-enter the auditorium after two months of the space being closed. This week we welcomed our panto cast ahead of a busy schedule of rehearsals.
“The team at the Key are working hard to bring the magic of pantomime to life ahead of our first performance on 2 December.
“Tickets are selling fast so make sure you book yours before they are gone. It is set to be the pantomime you have all been wishing for.”
For further information about tickets for Aladdin please visit https://keytheatre-peterborough.com/event/aladdin/
In an update the theatre revealed that:
Opening weekend is completely sold out now (other than a couple of single seats)
Cast have been on-site this week for first time
Everything had to be removed whilst the works took place, so the tech team are now working hard to get everything back in with lighting currently being rigged and the panto floor going down
Wardrobe are altering costumes, and props are being finished
The cast are now in rehearsals “and are sounding fabulous”
The Key Theatre was closed with immediate effect after RAAC was found in the roof of the auditorium.
Key Theatre, Peterborough, has been closed after RAAC was found in the roof of the auditorium.
Picture by Terry Harris.
Peterborough City Council says RACC had also been found in the regional fitness and swimming centre but as this is currently closed for asbestos removal “there is no date for reopening at this stage”.
The presence of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was identified in two Peterborough buildings following inspections commissioned by the city council.
The Chalkboard tearoom and bistro remained open as well as other spaces including the studio theatre, box office, offices, spires rooms and swan rooms.
![Councillor visit to ESCC (L-R: Councillor Geoffrey Seef, County Councillor for St Neots The Eatons [local councillor]; Rob Ashwell, chairman of ESCC; Cllr Alex Bulat Vice-Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Communities, Social Mobility, and Inclusion Committee). Credit to Cambridgeshire County Council.](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Councillor-visit-to-ESCC_cropped-400x240.jpg)
![Councillor visit to ESCC (L-R: Councillor Geoffrey Seef, County Councillor for St Neots The Eatons [local councillor]; Rob Ashwell, chairman of ESCC; Cllr Alex Bulat Vice-Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Communities, Social Mobility, and Inclusion Committee). Credit to Cambridgeshire County Council.](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Councillor-visit-to-ESCC_cropped-80x80.jpg)