Local campaigners, including Dame Judi Dench, have marked the 1000th day since Redhill’s Harlequin theatre closed (on September 26, 2023), by sending an open letter to the leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, demanding action to finally reopen the theatre.
The letter points out the economic damage to the borough of the continued closure – which had lasted 1,000 days on June 22 this year – and questions why the council has missed its own deadline of last month to start construction work.
It calls for the council to explain the reasons for the delays so far and to commit to a reopening date.
The Redhill Business Guild estimates that the Redhill economy loses an estimated £744,810 per year because of the absence of the theatre, with local restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and accommodation providers missing out on the money the visitors to the Harlequin would have spent in the town.
A national report says that every £1,000 of turnover generated by the theatre ecosystem in the UK leads to £1,909 turnover in the rest of the economy
The economic damage is especially acute in Redhill because the annual panto has not happened for two years and is not expected to take place this Christmas either.
The cumulative economic loss is estimated to have reached more than £2million by next year.
“Redhill has lost far more than a theatre,” says the letter to Councillor Richard Biggs, leader of the Conservative-led council. “Local businesses have lost customers, the town centre has lost footfall, and our community has lost one of its most important cultural assets.
“The people of Redhill have waited long enough. It is time to provide certainty, accountability and a credible plan to bring our theatre back.”
The letter was written by the Green and Independent Group on RBBC. It has been signed by Dame Judi Dench and all the major arts organisations that use the Harlequin, including Sajeela Kershi, organiser of the Comedy Cottage, which has taken place at the Harlequin for more than a decade.
Residents can add their names to the letter by emailing [email protected]
Cllr Elly Heaton, Green councillor for Redhill West and Meadvale on the shadow East Surrey Council, said: “The Harlequin has always been much more than an entertainment venue. It brings people together, supports local businesses, and gives Redhill a sense of identity and pride. After nearly three years of closure, local businesses have lost an estimated £2.5 million in trade, and residents deserve greater transparency about what happens next. Publishing a detailed reopening timeline would be an important first step towards rebuilding trust and demonstrating that the Harlequin remains a priority for the area.”
Cllr Mark Smith, Independent councillor for Redhill West and Wray Common, said: “The people of Redhill are still waiting for a clear plan. This isn’t just about a theatre; it’s about confidence in our town centre, support for local businesses, and keeping promises made to residents. We are simply asking the council leader to publish a detailed timetable for reopening by July 22 so everyone can see exactly where the project stands and when this vital community asset will return.”
Cllr Jonathan Essex, Green borough councillor for Redhill East, said the ongoing closure of the Harlequin contravenes the council’s own Leisure & Culture Policy, published in 2023 to recognise the need for a strong leisure and culture offering for the borough.
He added: “Now the new unitary council has publicly said it won’t block the Harlequin’s reopening, the Conservatives must stop hiding their dithering and delay with empty promises and a wall of silence, and let the public know when they will see construction work start and when they will be able to book a show.”
The open letter, with all signatories so far, can be seen at https://eastsurreygp.org.uk/esw/1000-days-with-no-harlequin-local-community-wants-answers/.