The much-loved Kenneth More Theatre is set to reopen its doors this December, marking the return of live theatre to the heart of Redbridge following a two-year closure.
Redbridge Council and Vision are delighted to announce that the Kenneth More Theatre will reopen in December, following the successful removal of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from the auditorium.
The reopening marks an exciting new chapter for one of Redbridge’s much-loved cultural venues, with the theatre also benefiting from a programme of refurbishment to give it a fresh new look and feel.
Improvements include new roof, acoustics and auditorium seating, redecorated spaces, new carpets and booking system, helping to create an enhanced experience for audiences and performers.
The Theatre’s return will be celebrated in style, with the popular Jack and the Beanstalk pop-up pantomime returning to the theatre foyer for a short run this Christmas time.
To mark the full reopening, a special New Year’s Eve show, Curtain Up! Celebrate Act 2, will take place in the main auditorium. The event will celebrate exactly 52 years since the theatre’s first performance in 1974, while welcoming this much-loved venue back for its next chapter.
Martin Solder, Chair of Vision’s Trustees, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to see the Kenneth More Theatre preparing to welcome residents back through its doors. It has been a long two years, and we know how much this theatre means to the local community. The Council has made significant investment not only to address the concrete related issues, but to also make a range of upgrades and improvements to the theatre for the future. It is a really exciting moment for audiences, performers and everyone who has missed this much-loved venue. We can’t wait to see the lights go on and the curtain up once again.”
Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said:
“Kenneth More Theatre holds a special place in the hearts of so many local people, and I know how much it has been missed. That’s why we have invested to bring the building safely back into use and ensure it can continue serving residents for many years to come.“I recently visited the theatre to check on progress, and seeing it preparing to welcome audiences back made the reopening feel very real. There is a real sense of anticipation building as we look ahead to December, when we’ll once again be able to enjoy live performances in this much-loved venue.
“The reopening is just the start. With an exciting programme of shows already planned for early 2027, there is plenty to look forward to as Kenneth More Theatre begins its next chapter and continues to entertain, inspire and bring our communities together for generations to come.”
Looking ahead to 2027, audiences can also look forward to a full programme of favourites and new shows at the Kenneth More, with an Easter pantomime of Sleeping Beauty and a Summer production of Shrek the musical, bringing even more family entertainment to Redbridge.
While work continues at the Kenneth More Theatre, this year’s Christmas production, Elf Jr, will take place at Redbridge Drama Centre, with tickets already on sale.
