Jimmy Carr and Shrek the Musical shows cancelled due to fears about RAAC concrete

Virgin Radio

7 Sep 2023, 15:55

Concerns over RAAC concrete have led to the temporary shutdown of several theatres across the UK.

Shows including a Carlisle based production of Shrek the Musical and a couple of Jimmy Carr’s current UK tour dates have had to be cancelled due to fears over venue safety.

Carlisle’s Sands Events Centre has revealed performances of the popular family musical Shrek the Musical (which were due to run at the venue until 10th September) have had to be cancelled as it shuts so that “further assessments can be made”.

Meanwhile, 8 Out of 10 Cats comedian Jimmy Carr’s Terribly Funny shows in Dartford and Northampton have been cancelled as a result of both The Orchard Theatre Dartford and the Royal & Derngate Theatre Northampton having to shut for the rest of September.

“Unfortunately, my tour show at Dartford Orchard Theatre on Friday 8th September will not be going ahead,” Carr announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday evening. 

He also added: “All customers will be contacted by their ticketing provider with details of the new show date.”

Theatre goers in Wales' capital have also been affected, as St David’s Hall Cardiff has announced it will be shutting for at least four weeks in order to “carry out intrusive surveys to further reassure ourselves and the public on the safety” of the venue’s safety.

Other venues across the country are also shutting for inspections to take place. As reported by the BBC, the Core theatre in Solihull has been affected, as has The Forum Theatre in Romiley, Stockport.

In London, The National Theatre has revealed it has “a small number of select backstage areas where RAAC is present” and that “structural engineers are in the process of surveying these areas.”

Its statement continued: “Initial indications are that they are safe and do not currently require remedial works.”