You may have seen the exciting announcement that the Kenneth More Theatre will reopen this December, following the successful completion of major building works and refurbishment.
The theatre closed in 2024 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) was identified in the roof during a routine structural assessment.
In order to keep the public safe, the council took the decision to close the auditorium while essential works were carried out.
The council has invested more than £1 million to remove the Raac and refurbish the building, including new seating, redecoration, carpets and a new ticket booking system.
It feels particularly special that we will be celebrating the reopening on December 31, 2026, as it originally opened on New Year's Eve in 1974 with a preview of The Beggar's Opera.
From school performances and community productions to professional shows and much-loved pantomimes, generations of local residents have made memories here over the last 50 years.
To mark this exciting moment, we are bringing together the people who have been part of the Kenneth More Theatre over the years for a very special family celebration show - Curtain Up! Celebrate Act Two.
More than just a reopening, this is a chance for the community to come together and reflect on the Kenneth More Theatre's proud history while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter.
We have invited local companies and groups connected to Kenneth More Theatre to be part of the celebration and to bring a performance that represents them.
It could be something they have performed there in the past, something from a current production, or perhaps something they are hoping to bring to the theatre in the future.
The line-up will include performances from local amateur dramatics companies, dance schools, plus our in-house theatre company – Redbridge Creates Theatre Company – and many more yet to be confirmed.
There will be music, musical theatre, drama, dance, comedy and plenty of surprises, as well as some special group numbers bringing everyone together.
The show will be led creatively by Gemma Eves and Fraser Stainton, with Artie Reed as musical director.
Whether you are a regular theatre-goer, a former performer, or visiting for the very first time, this unique performance will offer a memorable opportunity to experience the magic of live performance as the curtain rises once again on our much-loved venue.
Our reopening show will be followed by an exciting programme in 2027 of comedy, music, family shows and of course, our much-loved pantomime.
Tickets for Curtain Up! Celebrate Act Two can be purchased at: vrlc.uk/book-a-show
- Emily Isaac is from Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure (Vision RCL).
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