Theatre still on at-risk list after Raac closure

A theatre still appears on the latest list of at-risk venues across the country, three years after it was forced to close for vital repair work.

The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill was one of several buildings to close in 2023 when it was discovered reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) had been used in its construction.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council (RBBC) is overseeing the concrete's replacement, with the authority's Green Party members sending an open letter calling for a reopening date to be set.

The council said reopening the theatre "remains one of its highest priorities".

The Harlequin first appeared on the Theatres Trust at-risk list in 2025, and is one of 39 on its 2026 register.

Also listed are two Sussex venues, the Hippodrome in Brighton, which was recently granted £25m for renovations, and Clair Hall in Haywards Heath.

The letter to the council, which has been signed by Dame Judi Dench who lives near Redhill, claimed the closure of the theatre had cost the Redhill economy nearly £750,000 per year, based on research by the Redhill Business Guild.

Elly Heaton, Green councillor for Redhill West and Meadvale on the shadow East Surrey Council, said: "Local businesses have lost an estimated £2.5m in trade, and residents deserve greater transparency about what happens next.

"Publishing a detailed reopening timeline would be an important first step towards rebuilding trust."

In a statement, the local authority said: "Reopening The Harlequin Theatre safely and successfully at its original capacity remains one of our highest priorities.

"We have been working to progress detailed design and preparatory work for the removal of RAAC, the replacement roof structure and associated essential works.

"These works will now include replacing the air handling system and two large windows, both of which have become necessary to bring the building back into operation.

"The increased design work to incorporate these additional essential works have impacted on the project timeline.

"We are now in the final design stage. Current estimates suggest work will start on site in November 2026, although this is dependent on a number of factors which are not easy to control."

Council leader Richard Biggs said: 'We understand and empathise with the frustration around timescales.

"Our priority is ensuring the work is completed safely, lawfully and in a way that secures the long-term future of the theatre, including continued access for local community groups."

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