Peterborough’s Key Theatre is set to reopen later this month following a major programme of roof replacement works prompted by the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building.
The theatre, one of the city’s best-known cultural venues, has confirmed it will officially welcome audiences back on Friday 22 May with a performance by Images Ballet Company. The reopening comes after almost a year of extensive repair work costing £2.2 million.
However, theatre operators Landmark Theatres say a small number of unforeseen snagging issues have caused a short delay to the reopening of the main auditorium.
As a result, several scheduled performances have been affected, including Physic Sally on May 8, Tom Brace Saws Himself in Half on May 9, High School Musical by Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts on May 16, Country Hits Live on May 17 and The Comedy Network on May 21.
Customers are being contacted directly regarding rescheduled dates or refunds.
Despite the delay, parts of the venue remain operational. The Chalkboard cafe and bar continues to welcome visitors, while the Studio Theatre remains open. Kindred Youth Theatre classes and Peterborough Performing Arts’ BTEC Performing Arts programme are also continuing without disruption.
Natalie Phillips, Head of Content and Business Development at Landmark Theatres, said the reopening marked an important milestone for the venue and the city’s arts scene.
She said: “While this revised timeline reflects the complexities of completing major building works within a live performance venue, the Key Theatre looks forward to celebrating its return as a vibrant cultural hub for audiences, artists and the wider community.
“As the team works to reschedule performances or arrange refunds, phone lines are expected to be exceptionally busy. Customers are kindly asked for patience during this time, with reassurance that every effort is being made to contact anyone affected as quickly as possible.”
The roof replacement project began after RAAC concrete was discovered at the theatre in 2023. Concerns surrounding the lightweight material, which has been linked nationally to structural safety risks in ageing buildings, forced the venue to close while temporary safety measures were put in place.
Construction firm Lindum Group was appointed to carry out the permanent repairs after previously completing emergency stabilisation works that allowed the theatre to reopen temporarily in late 2023.
Work started in May with scaffolding erected around the venue before teams began removing the old roof structure and installing a modern replacement system.
Lindum Director Darren King previously described the scheme as essential to securing the theatre’s future.
He said: “We are delighted to support the continued operation of this important cultural venue and help ensure its long-term future for the Peterborough community.”
The project involved protecting the theatre’s interior with plywood and polythene sheeting before specialist scaffolding and weatherproof coverings were installed to allow the safe removal of RAAC concrete panels.
The disruption has also had wider financial implications. Peterborough City Council is expected to provide compensation to Landmark Theatres after the prolonged closure affected performances and forced the relocation of the city’s annual pantomime to the New Theatre.
Council leaders say the support package is designed to protect Peterborough’s cultural offering and ensure the long-term sustainability of theatre operations in the city.
Without financial support, officials warned there was a risk Landmark Theatres could surrender the lease, potentially leaving the council responsible for managing the complex venue.
The reopening later this month will mark the first major public performances inside the auditorium since the latest phase of repairs began, bringing an end to a challenging period for one of Peterborough’s most important arts venues.
