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Dance group 'heartbroken' as venue remains closed

BBC The main entrance to the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill, showing a sign telling people to keep out due to it being a construction site.BBC
Redhill's Harlequin Theatre has been closed for over a year after the discovery of Raac in the building

The directors of a children's performance group have said they feel "homeless" after their venue was closed over a year ago.

The Harlequin Theatre, in Redhill, has been closed since September 2023 when reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was discovered.

A survey of the condition of the building started last month.

Hannah Gunning, a director of Star Steppers Musical Theatre and Dance, said the children they work with are "heartbroken".

"There was one year we did seven shows there," she said, "and now we cannot find a venue that quite matches what we had".

Co-director Anna Judge said: "The Harlequin to us was this fantastic community space offering a professional performance space which we just cannot find nearby any more."

Hannah Gunning and Anna Judge, the directors of Star Steppers performance group, standing side by side and wearing grey branded t shirts.
Hannah Gunning (l) and Anna Judge say their group is "homeless and heartbroken"

Richard Biggs, leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, said the results of the survey will soon be known.

"We're expecting the results and some initial details on costings by the middle of November," he said.

"They want to put on live shows and we want to have live shows.

"But it must be done safely and public safety has got to be our first concern."

Richard Biggs, leader of Reigate and Banstead Council, wearing a blue jacke and shirt, standing in front of the closed Harlequin Theatre in Redhill.
Council leader Richard Biggs says the results of the building survey will be known soon

Campaigners want the theatre, which opened in 1986, back in business as soon as possible.

Chris Wait, chairman of the Harlequin Support Group, said: "Our message to the council is to please get the survey complete, the repairs carried out, the refurbishment carried out and give everyone a space to perform in."

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