Barking Broadway Theatre to Stay Closed Amid RAAC Concrete Problems

The Broadway theatre in Barking faces uncertainty. They found potentially dangerous concrete there last year. The theatre has canceled all upcoming shows and will stay closed until further notice.

Barking and Dagenham College runs the theatre. The 21-year-old theatre hoped to reopen in 2025, but RAAC concrete caused the closure last January, and a new statement reveals tougher times ahead.

The statement announced canceling future shows because the theatre remains closed. They will refund all remaining ticket holders and appreciate everyone’s support.

The Broadway was not alone in dealing with the RAAC crisis. This affected venues like the National Theatre and Ilford’s Kenneth More Theatre. About 30 London schools also suffered.

The building was once Barking Town Hall in the 1960s. It became a theatre in 2004 with 341 seats and aimed to boost local arts access. The theatre showcased local artists and offered affordable tickets.

People are sad about the theatre’s uncertain future. One person hoped for a solution, calling it a beautiful space, while another said something is being taken away. Someone else wrote that it was sad news, as it was a valuable venue for the community.