Surrey theatre to remain closed for foreseeable future

A theatre in Surrey that closed for safety reasons in 2023 is to remain shut with no current plans to reopen.

The Harlequin Theatre and Cinema in Redhill closed its doors last September due to the presence of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).

At a recent meeting of the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council executive, plans for the theatre to remain closed for the forseeable future were approved, with no alternative venue proposed.

The council has also agreed a reduction in theatre personnel to "a core team of two to three staff".

The remaining staff will be tasked with developing a business case "for a medium-term cultural offering for the borough".

Council Leader Richard Biggs said that despite the decision, the council's "commitment to the arts is not in question".

He continued: "We did not anticipate being in this situation. Since the building’s closure, officers have been working closely with external partners to establish the implications of RAAC and respective responsibilities, as well as working innovatively to ensure that some arts activities could continue, albeit not in the usual way.

"This decision recognises the need to use public money appropriately and therefore focus on developing sustainable plans for a future cultural offering while the Harlequin building remains closed."