Civic Theatre "could reopen next week" after roof damage

Theatre staff said two small pieces of wood had come loose in the ceiling area above the stage, forcing them to cordon the stage off.

A production of Sweeney Todd by Rotherham Teachers Student Academy (RTSA) due to be held at the Civic from tonight until Saturday has been cancelled.

Hilary Pratt, RTSA secretary, said: “The Civic Theatre has had some structural damage on Monday and they have had to cancel the show all week.

“Hopefully they might be able to offer us another date at the end of April because the kids are devastated.

“Adults understand these things happen but we’ve got kids from 10 to 18 they are absolutely devastated because they have worked so hard.”

Rotherham Theatres Manager Jo Longworth confirmed the Sweeney Todd production had been postponed following the incident.

She added: “The stage area has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure to allow the necessary repairs to be completed.   

“There will be an inspection of the roof on Friday and we hope the theatre will be in a position to reopen within a few days.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause to customers and we are working closely with the production company to hopefully offer alternative dates.

“In the meantime, we are contacting customers direct to inform them of the cancellation.”