Dartford theatre closed with immediate effect over RAAC roof fears

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, Kent has halted all performance as investigations examine reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in its roof.

Shows at the theatre will be suspended until the end of September while further surveys commence. This news follows over 100 schools being partially or fully shuttered due to the at-risk material.

Officials are working to ascertain how many public sites could be impacted. A joint statement from Dartford Borough Council and Trafalgar Theatres states that following a routine inspection on Monday, the latest industry guidance meant closing the theatre for further surveys to be done.

A report found defects in the Raac panels in the theatre’s roof were “not significant” in April last year but that the council had been planning to replace them in the “medium to long-term” following consultant advice.

Dartford Borough Council leader Jeremy Kite said: “It’s not the news that anyone wants to hear but there is nothing more important than the safety of the audiences, staff, artists, volunteers and everyone at the venue.

“This problem was embedded in the building at the time of its construction in 1983 and it is one of thousands of buildings built using this construction method.”

Cllr Kite added that while any closure was a “blow”, the safety of customers and staff was the “number one priority”.

Helen Enright, chief operating officer of Trafalgar Entertainment and chief executive of Trafalgar Theatres, said: “Once the time frames become clearer, we will update customers as to the status of the future programme and would like to reassure customers that their money is safe.

“We will be contacting existing ticket holders to reschedule performances or to reimburse them.”

References

1. ^{^} Rochester pensioner 'murdered' as duo arrested in Medway (www.kentlive.news)