You may already be aware that on Sunday afternoon some plasterboard from the ceiling above the stage area of the theatre fell onto the rigging over the stage. It has been a shock to the volunteers & staff at the theatre and this event was, of course, totally unforeseen. We appreciate the hard work that went into all the preparations for the shows on Sunday and beyond and realise that there will be a high level of disappointment that the shows are having to be cancelled.
Fortunately nobody was on the main portion of the stage at the time and there was no injury or lasting damage.
As a charity & voluntary led community theatre, public safety is of the utmost importance, so shows at the theatre for the next couple of weeks have had to be postponed.
The ceiling is not an original part of the theatre and had been installed only around 15 years ago. We are currently waiting for a report from a structural engineer and are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive as the safety of our visitors, performers and staff is of the highest importance. To be 100% sure that there is not any re-occurrence, every panel on the ceiling is going to be removed before public shows recommence. Work will commence on Friday to remove these panels.
If you have purchased tickets for the shows that are likely to be postponed, please bear with us for a few days, as we are hoping the majority of shows will be re-arranged on new dates. All original tickets for shows will be valid for re-arranged dates.
Shows that are likely to be rearranged to new dates include The Dolly Parton Show, Goldilocks, Tony Stockwell, a Tribute to 10cc, Tenors Unlimited, Ann Breen, Rainbow Magic and The Graduate.
The show “A Night of Dirty Dancing” which was due to take place on Thursday 7th April has already been rearranged for Sunday 10th July 2016 and all original tickets will be valid for the new show.
The performing arts centre remains open and all dance schools and theatre groups can continue as normal.
We appreciate your patience whilst we complete our work and we will update you with more information as soon as we can.