Entertainment
Miriam Margolyes and Jimmy Carr among acts affected after crumbling concrete forces theatre closures
Jimmy Carr, Miriam Margolyes and Shrek The Musical are among the acts to have been affected by theatre closures linked to RAAC concerns.
Several venues around the UK have gone dark for the next few weeks as investigations take place into the use of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) – the building material at the centre of a government row that has been found to be potentially dangerous.
Thousands of pupils in England are already facing disruption at the start of term this week after RAAC was identified at more than 100 schools.
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Full list of RAAC-affected schools in England
Now, several performance venues have been forced to close their doors around the UK as a result of the snowballing crisis.
In Northampton, the Royal & Derngate Theatre has been forced to close its doors until at least the end of the month so repairs can be carried out, affecting shows from the likes of comedians Jimmy Carr, Ivo Graham and Seann Walsh, as well as broadcasters Gyles Brandreth and Miriam Margolyes.
Carr and Margolyes’s shows have also been postponed in Cardiff, at St David Hall, which has closed after recent changes in advice surrounding RAAC, while Shrek The Musical’s tour has been forced to miss out The Sands Centre in Carlisle.
Shows at the Core Theatre in Solihull have also been cancelled due to closures, as have performances at the Forum Theatre in Romiley, in Greater Manchester.
The Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh, East Lothian, closed back in March after “structural issues” were discovered at the venue due to RAAC, but repairs have not yet been made.
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The National Theatre in London has said RAAC is present in a small number of areas backstage, but will safely remain open after it was decided no remedial work needed to take place.
RAAC has caused political headaches for the government, with Education Secretary Gillian Keegan accused of opening “Pandora’s Box” by setting standards for schools that other sectors are being forced to follow.