The longstanding roof repairs at Harrogate Theatre could be finished this month, it was announced today after another performance was cancelled due to a leak at the weekend.
The final performance of Kinky Boots, by Harrogate Operatic Players, was cancelled at late notice on Saturday night after a backstage leak raised concerns about the electrics.
The decision, taken on safety grounds after a day of heavy rain, disappointed both performers and audience alike.
Some audience members had already taken their seats so the cast chose to perform a few numbers from the award-winning musical with just the house lights on.
Work to replace the roof has been taking place since May.
It is not the first time a performance has been cancelled due to a leak since the roof repairs began. The recent pantomime season was also affected.
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Work to replace the 121-year old Victorian theatre roof began in May. It was due to finish in September but this was put back to March.
David Bown, chief executive of the theatre, said today it could be finished this month if there are no further incidents. He said:
“The last time I spoke to the contractors they were ahead of schedule, it could even be the end of this month. The area that was leaking was backstage and that has been repaired.
We’d only cancel a show if absolutely necessary but the safety of everyone in the theatre had to take priority.”
