Re-opening date announced for Forum Theatre

Performing arts charity, NK Theatre Arts, has announced a planned re-opening for The Forum Theatre in Romiley following the commencement of vital structural repairs.

The Forum Theatre was temporarily closed due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in the premises, whilst structural surveys were undertaken and solutions designed to make the theatre safe. This led to dozens of cancelled and postponed events scheduled both in house and by other arts organisations from across the borough.

Stockport Council has now given NK Theatre confirmation that contractors for the repairs, Robertson’s Construction have now signed contracts to commence work, which will enable The Forum Theatre to reopen on 20th June 2024 with youth theatre members’ production of the musical Everybody’s Talking about Jamie.

Stuart Dean, Chair of NK Theatre Arts’ Charity Board said:

“Following discussions with Stockport Council and contractors Robertson’s Construction, we are thrilled to be able to announce that we are planning to open the Forum Theatre on Thursday 20th June, presenting the fantastic musical Everybody’s Talking about Jamie to be performed by our youth theatre members.

“Since our closure in September, it has been a very challenging period for us and we would like to thank all of our members and parents for their unwavering support throughout this time. We are grateful to the teams at Hatherlow Church, Werneth School, Romiley Primary School, Fairway School, Castle Hill School and the Art Theatre New Mills for providing temporary accommodation for our workshops and performances.

“We look forward to working with Robertson’s, who will be undertaking the work needed to make our theatre safe. They understand what an invaluable resource The Forum is to the people of Stockport and wanted to do their part in bringing the theatre back to life. We also thank the teams of structural engineers from Rhodes and Partners and Ridge and Partners who have designed a solution to get the theatre open.

“We thank everyone at Stockport Council, the councillors and officers who have worked hard to fund and deliver a complex programme, which will allow performances not just by ourselves, but by the many other community organisations based in the borough who use the Forum Theatre each year. This is indeed a fitting end to the Stockport Town of Culture celebrations.

“Finally, we thank the members of the public and local traders who have helped support us in so many different ways, we look forward to welcoming them all back to the theatre. We are excited to celebrate with them this weekend, as our members perform at the Forum Festival event taking place on Saturday night in Romiley.“

Tickets are now on sale for events coming soon to The Forum, beginning with Everybody’s Talking About Jamie commencing on Thursday 20th June, which will be the first date The Forum Theatre will open to the public. Also scheduled are pantomimes, tribute bands and dance schools as well as visits from Shaun Ryder, Aled Jones and West End star Kerry Ellis.

Updated shows and events can now be found on The Forum Theatre website with revised dates for other postponed events confirmed as soon as possible.

“Forum Festival”, in partnership with the Romiley Traders Association, will be taking place in Romiley precinct this coming Saturday 20th April from 6pm. With the local bars and cafe’s open, live entertainment and food stalls throughout the evening, this is an event for the whole family.