Insight
The show goes on: RAAC reinforcement saves Peterborough panto
20 Dec 2023
Jenny Curtlin
Director
Having discovered the headline-grabbing RAAC concrete in the roof above its stage, the 400-seat Key Theatre in Peterborough was forced to close in September over safety concerns. However, thanks to quick work from Pick Everard and Lindum Group, the curtain has now been able to go up for panto season.
To gain a full picture of the situation, Peterborough City Council contracted multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard to carry out building surveys and feasibility studies to assess the next steps. These surveys showed there was an immediate ‘red’ failure on RAAC reports.
To ensure the theatre’s seasonal production could go ahead, a plan was immediately mobilised to design a secondary roof system underneath the main roof inside the main auditorium. With a timber design, materials were able to be procured very quickly utilising the local supply chain, allowing contractor Lindum to be completing the installation of the structure within a matter of weeks.
Jenny Curtlin, Director at Pick Everard, said: “Panto season is such an important one for theatres, particularly from a business perspective in the current climate, so a key aim remained making sure that could go ahead.
“That very pressing timescale meant that permanent removal of the roof was not an option until further down the line, so the project team mobilised a temporary solution with the secondary roof structure. Being able to pull together to get the work underway so quickly was critical, and the most impressive part of this project has been the speed from everyone involved.
“We’re very proud to have played a key role in making sure theatregoers in the area will be able to enjoy the production of Aladdin – and that work was completed in time for the Key Theatre’s 50th anniversary too.”
The new internal roof provides further structural support for the main roof, around which the lighting and sets have been installed as normal and ensures the safety of public, staff and stage crew.
Councillor John Howard, deputy leader of the council, said: “It seems the genie 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.”
The council has also confirmed that a longer-term solution is already underway, with a complete roof replacement already in the design phase to make sure the theatre can remain a key part of Peterborough’s landscape for years to come.