Concern for future of Peterborough theatre group, after RAAC found in venue
Organisers of the long-running Peterborough Gang Show say they need all the support they can get
Last updated 24th Oct 2023
There's concern for the future of a long-running theatre show in Peterborough after concrete known as RAAC, which is prone to crumbling over time, was discovered at the Key Theatre.
The Peterborough Gang Show's performed at the venue for nearly 40 years, but once RAAC was found in September organisers were left with a dilemma.
The Peterborough Gang Show is an all-round performance from 8-18 year olds which features comedy sketches, pop songs and west end shows.
With it just a few weeks before opening night on November 9th, the stage at Ormiston Bushfield Academy will be used instead, but the new location's much smaller.
'We don't know if it can happen again'
Director, Jo Christopher, said the last-minute change has thrown the annual performance into uncertainty:
"We quickly managed to put a stop on all our marketing but it means we haven't managed to market the show to sell the tickets for people to be in the audience.
As a cast member, performing to 20-30 people in the audience - it's just not the same thing as 200."
She added: "Last year we were a little bit down (in sales) so this year we had a big push to try and make us come back. The numbers on the stage, the people coming to see us...
To lose money for a second year is going to put a whole thing onto the show and whether it can happen again.
I've got all these kids that've worked their socks off in rehearsals. It's been a real dodgy time for us just to try and think how we put these kids first. They deserve somewhere to perform."
A temporary closure
Earlier this month, The Key Theatre posted an update on the situation:
Last month Landmark Theatres, along with Peterborough City Council announced the closure of the main auditorium at the Key Theatre due to the discovery of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in the roof.
The Council during this time have been working hard to find a solution in order to re-open the venue as soon as possible, especially with the pantomime season fast approaching. With the support and expert advice of structural engineers, a safe solution will be installed over the coming weeks on the interior of the main auditorium.
Works will be carried out between 9th October through to mid-November which unfortunately affects the Key Theatre planned programme over this period. The majority of the programme has been rescheduled or moved to other spaces and all customers will be contacted in the coming days with further information. A full list of affected shows can be found below.
The closure is only affecting programming in the main auditorium and all other spaces including the studio theatre, box office, offices, spires room, swan room and Chalkboard Tea Room & Bistro are unaffected and safe to occupy.
We are very grateful for the patience and support of our patrons during this time, and look forward to welcoming you back into the main-auditorium for the first performance of Aladdin on Saturday 2 December.
To support The Peterborough Gang Show by buying a ticket or through sponsorship, email boxoffice@peterboroughgangshow.com