Beau Sejour Leisure Centre’s theatre will be closing temporarily from mid-April until mid-June for essential technical works to the venue’s drop bars and associated equipment.
We’re told the theatre is safe to use in the meantime but the specialist upgrades has to be completed to ensure it can be licensed for use.
The areas needing work were identified during an inspection meaning they have to be fixed within three months.
As it’s short notice, some bookings have had to be moved to other venues while the work is carried out.
During the closure, most scheduled events will be relocated to the David Ferguson Hall or another suitable space at Beau Sejour. However, not everything can be accommodated so some performances and bookings may be postponed or cancelled.
Sam Herridge, Head of Recreation Services for Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, said affected hirers are being contacted directly to make arrangements.
“We know how much this theatre means to our performers, hirers and the wider community, and we fully recognise the disappointment and disruption this temporary closure will cause. Many people have invested time, creativity and commitment into upcoming events, and we are genuinely sorry for the impact these necessary works will have on those plans.
“Although the theatre is safe, the required upgrades and inspection findings mean we must act now to ensure everything is fully compliant and fit for the future. Our team is working closely with affected hirers to explore every possible solution – whether that’s relocating events to the David Ferguson Hall where availability allows, rescheduling performances, or supporting alternative arrangements. We will provide regular updates, including confirmed reopening dates and event information, on our dedicated webpage.”
Damon Hackley, Director of Operations for Economy, Infrastructure, Environment & Culture, said: “These improvements are an important investment in the Beau Sejour theatre’s ongoing ability to operate. By addressing them, we are protecting the high standards our community expects and deserves, as well as the significant commercial role the space plays within Beau Sejour’s operating model.
“We are focused on completing the works as quickly as possible, with the aim of returning to normal operations without delay. We have not lost sight of just how valuable this facility is to the community, and I know the team are working hard to ensure any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.”The work will be done by specialist contractors with expertise in stage engineering and technical theatre systems.
The theatre is expected to reopen in mid-June.
