The Key Theatre in Peterborough is set to welcome audiences back to its main auditorium on Friday 22 May 2026, following an almost year-long closure for essential building repairs. The venue, which will host the Images Ballet Company for its reopening performance, has undergone a £2.2 million roof replacement project after the discovery of a dangerous type of concrete known as Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in September 2023.
The project to replace the roof was managed by the Lindum Group, which had previously carried out emergency work to allow the theatre to operate temporarily in late 2023. While the theatre’s studio, tea room, and bistro remained open during the closure, the main auditorium has been out of use since June 2025. The reopening date was adjusted slightly by one week to address final finishing tasks, known as snagging, which impacted a range of performances including shows by Physic Sally and various musical productions.
The Peterborough City Council, which owns the building, funded the permanent repairs to ensure the site’s safety. Because the closure was so prolonged, the council also provided financial compensation to Landmark Theatres, the charitable organisation that operates the venue. Officials noted that this support was necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the theatre and prevent the operator from needing to surrender their lease.
The extended closure forced the popular annual pantomime to be relocated to the New Theatre for two consecutive years. With the structural work now complete, the venue is preparing to return to its full programme of community events and performances.
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