The Harlequin theatre stands where the former Market Hall stood, and has been the cultural centre for Redhill since its opening in 1986. It sadly closed its doors in September 2023 for health and safety reasons following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Many residents have contacted me expressing their concerns about the future of the much-loved Harlequin theatre. As well as it's famous pantomime every Christmas, it's used for no end of dance classes, school productions and community meetings. It cannot be underestimated how important it is to have a central venue, that's easily accessible, where our community can come together. It's also especially important for our children and young people, who often discover their love of the theatre through experiencing the wonder of the big stage. In the absence of this facility, Redhill's cultural offering is the poorer for the dance classes and productions that can't take place.
Last week I met with the Harlequin Support Group to understand more about the importance of the Harlequin to our local area and to listen to their concerns about the closure. Their passion and love for the Harlequin is evident and it's very clear that in the absence of this theatre, there are no other nearby theatres available for use by groups such as East Surrey Performing Arts (ESPA). One of their key concerns is around the length of time it is taking to undertake the survey and ascertain what repairs are required to get the Harlequin back open again. I am in complete agreement with the Harlequin Support Group that the survey must be done as soon as possible so that clarity can be had around the funding requirements for any works and the long term future of the building.
I have also met with the Leader of the Council to raise residents concerns and find out more about the timing of the critically important survey. I'm pleased to say that the Leader confirmed that the scope of the survey is close to being finalised, and once complete, a date for it to take place can be set. Once the survey has been done, it will be a further 4-6 weeks before they receive the report detailing any works needed. I will continue to push the Council to set a date for the survey as soon as possible and I will monitor progress closely. The Leader also explained that the Council are currently exploring various different options to provide an interim facility in the meantime so that local community groups and residents have some level of cultural offering in the Borough. He anticipates having a plan for this by February, and the Council will provide an update once they have more clarity.
Thank you to everyone who has emailed me and shared their thoughts on the Harlequin. The outpouring of concern demonstrates how keenly the loss of the theatre is felt across Redhill and beyond. I will continue to meet with the Leader of the Council regularly to monitor progress.
