City theatre to close for repair works

A theatre is set to close for several months while essential work to fix the roof in the main auditorium is carried out.

The Key Theatre in Peterborough has been in the city since 1973 but work is due to start on the roof after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was identified in October 2023.

A temporary roof costing £196,000 was installed to allow the theatre to reopen in December, but it will now be replaced with a permanent modern roofing system.

Work is expected to start in spring and should be completed by the winter.

Due to the lease agreement signed with the operator Landmark Theatres, Peterborough City Council is responsible for the work to the building.

But the council did not share details on the cost due to commercial sensitivity.

However, it has been previously reported that the work could cost around £2m.

Adrian Chapman, executive director for place and economy at Peterborough City Council, said: "We are fully aware that the Key Theatre is a popular and much-loved venue and that's why we have actively worked to find a permanent solution for the building's roof.

"This will mean that the theatre will have to close whilst the new roof is installed, but once completed, it will ensure that the venue can continue to provide a vibrant cultural offering for Peterborough residents."

Over the decades, it has undergone various refurbishments.

Notably, a major renovation in 2005 upgraded its facilities, including the auditorium, backstage areas, and front-of-house spaces.

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