Next steps confirmed for Theatre at Risk Harlequin Theatre

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council Executive has agreed the way forward for the theatre, which is currently closed due the presence of ‘crumbling concrete’ RAAC.

The Council Executive has agreed that work will be undertaken to remove the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), as well carrying out other essential works at the same time. This will enable The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema to reopen at its previous capacity. £4.5milllion council reserves will be used to fund this work, which will be requested at the Full Council meeting in July.

The council will also appoint a specialist company to market and seek expressions of interest for a third-party to run The Harlequin, and similarly for the second arts and culture venue in Redhill within the new leisure, retail and residential development The Rise.

Theatres Trust welcomes this approach, which prioritises reopening the theatre safely while minimising the time that the local community is left without this invaluable cultural space. We are also pleased to see progress being made on plans to create an additional art and culture venue in the area, which can only add to the vibrancy and appeal of the town.

We have been in regular contact with the council since the Harlequin Theatre closed in September 2023, providing advice and support throughout this difficult period, including connecting the council with other theatres impacted by RAAC. We added the Harlequin to our Theatres at Risk Register in January 2025 due to the uncertainty about its future and to keep the issue on the agenda for decision-makers.

This is the first step on the process of reopening the theatre and we will continue to provide our support to council as the project progresses.