Performers ‘disappointed’ following closure of Kent theatre over …
A number of performers including comedian Jimmy Carr have been affected by the closure of a theatre in Kent[1] due to fears over dangerous concrete. The Orchard Theatre in Dartford[2] made the decision to suspend all performances[3] with immediate effect after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in its roof.
The venue, which was built in the early 1980s, was one of thousands of public buildings to use RAAC during construction. But an inspection was carried out after the Department for Education confirmed more than 150 schools across the UK had to close after ceilings built with the concrete had collapsed.
In a joint statement, Dartford Borough Council and Trafalgar Entertainment confirmed The Orchard had closed its doors on Tuesday (September 5) and that all performances would be postponed until at least the end of September. They added there was “nothing more important” than the safety of customers and staff.
Andy Crust and Sarah Jayne’s Country Superstars show[5] was the first to be cancelled, the couple said. They were due to perform yesterday evening (September 6) but were told their performance could not go ahead. Sarah Jayne said the crew was “disappointed” by the news.
She told KentLive: “I was shocked to be honest because we, obviously, did advertising and marketing the show for over eight months, we had over 600 people tonight that were attending and we have a lot of musicians, staff and technical crew that travel from different parts of the country to do the show, which had to be cancelled. At the moment, they can’t programme us back in because they don’t know how long they will be closed for.”
The couple, who are based in Ashford[6], are touring the UK with their show, which aims to tell “the diverse story of country music”. It is hosted by Sarah who has been performing as Dolly Parton for more than 20 years.
Sarah Jayne (right) has been performing as Dolly Parton for more than two decades (Image: Sarah Jayne)
She added: “The plan is to go back in and make a big splash when we do go back and, obviously, let everybody know in Kent that we’re coming. We had messages from people coming from Medway, the outskirts of London, Maidstone, so it isn’t just people living in Dartford.”
The performer said the closure would have a financial impact on her and her husband, as well as the rest of the crew. “We’re losing out, our business is losing out and our musicians won’t be paid, neither will we, because they’re calling it ‘force majeure’”, Sarah said.
The pair said despite their disappointment, the safety of their audience, crew and the staff at the venue was paramount. “The show will go on, we will come back and we will make sure of that.”
Jimmy Carr has also been forced to postpone his show at The Orchard Theatre. The comedian, 50, announced that his Friday performance – as part of his Terribly Funny 2.0 tour – would also have to be rearranged because of the closure.
Jimmy Carr cancelled this week’s show in Dartford (Image: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Carr, known for his stand-up routines and hosting roles on shows such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats, tweeted: “Unfortunately, my tour show at Dartford Orchard Theatre on Friday, September 8 will not be going ahead. The venue is closing temporarily to review the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building.”
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 timeframes 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.”
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References
- ^ Kent (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Dartford (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ decision to suspend all performances (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Full list of Kent schools affected by concrete safety crisis (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Country Superstars show (www.countrysuperstars.co.uk)
- ^ Ashford (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ HERE. (data.reachplc.com)