Northampton Theatres Reopen with a Bang After Raac Closure
After a temporary closure due to concerns over aging concrete, Northampton’s beloved Royal and Derngate Theatres are all set to raise their curtains once more, promising an exciting return to the world of live entertainment.
**A Brief Closure Amid Concrete Concerns**
Just a month ago, the Royal and Derngate Theatres faced an unexpected challenge that prompted them to temporarily shut their doors. The culprit? Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (Raac), which was discovered in the foyers of the building. Raac, commonly used in construction, had exceeded its recommended lifespan of 30 years, raising concerns of structural integrity.
**Safety First: Temporary Entry Routes**
In response to the concrete issue, the management at Royal and Derngate decided to close both theatres and the adjacent filmhouse temporarily. Now, after diligent efforts to address the issue, they are prepared to welcome audiences back. However, to ensure everyone’s safety, temporary entry and exit routes have been established to bypass the areas affected by the concrete. Detailed instructions will be provided to ticket-holders to ensure a smooth experience.
**A Glorious Return to the Stage**
The Royal Theatre will be the first to reopen its doors on October 16th with a captivating performance of the play “Murder in the Dark.” Just a week later, on October 24th, the Derngate auditorium will resume its performances with the locally-inspired musical “Kinky Boots,” presented by the Northampton Musical Theatre Company. This heartwarming production tells the story of a Northampton shoe factory, promising a memorable evening for all attendees.
**A Word from the CEO**
Jo Gordon, the chief executive of the Royal and Derngate, expressed gratitude for the support received during the closure. She said, “We’d like to thank everyone for the support and encouragement we’ve received over the last month, including all the offers of help we’ve had from local businesses. We are so pleased to be able to open our doors to audiences safely again. The experience may feel a little different in terms of getting to your seats, but the staff teams are working hard to ensure that everyone will receive a brilliant welcome and once again enjoy the high-quality entertainment they expect.”
**Ticket-Holders, Stay Informed**
For those who hold tickets for shows scheduled between now and the reopening nights, the theatre will be in touch with you to provide updates and ensure a seamless transition back to the world of live theatre.
In conclusion, Northampton’s Royal and Derngate Theatres are poised for a triumphant return, promising a delightful lineup of shows and a renewed commitment to safety. So mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by the magic of the stage once more!