Asbestos brings curtain down on theatre

The cafe and booking office at the theatre remain open

A popular theatre has had to close its doors to audiences after asbestos was discovered in its roof.

Reading's Hexagon theatre will be closed for approximately twelve weeks from Friday, 1 August, while a £750,000 refit is carried out to remove the substance.

That has meant a theatre summer school for youngsters has had to be moved and theatre bosses will have to relocate events planned for September and October.

Material containing the asbestos was found in the roof space accessed by the theatre's technical staff.

We are making every effort to ensure minimum disruption is caused to our audiences Reading Borough Council leader David Sutton

Air quality testing showed that levels were below statutory limits and that there was no risk to audiences or performers.

But experts have advised the material should be removed from the roof space to prevent any future risk.

Reading Borough Council leader David Sutton said: "We are making every effort to ensure minimum disruption is caused to our audiences and I want to reassure people who have booked tickets for forthcoming events that they will be kept fully informed."

The theatre summer school beginning on Monday, 4 August, will now be held at 21 South Street.

People who have already booked tickets for upcoming shows will be notified by post of the relocation or cancellation of any event as soon as it is confirmed.