Guildhall Theatre closure update

Guildhall ceiling

Over recent months significant efforts have been made to keep the Guildhall Theatre open while essential maintenance works take place.

Earlier this month, due to unforeseen circumstances, the venue had to be closed.

This was initially until the end of January. However, following subsequent work and evaluation of all the available information the decision has today been made that the venue should now be closed until the end of September 2019.

We hope to reopen the Guildhall Theatre after this, however, due to the nature of the work, we do not anticipate that this can be confirmed until May 2019.

We’re sorry to cause any disappointment and inconvenience, but we have a duty to operate safely, which we take very seriously.

What’s happening?

Planned work relating to the Guildhall Theatre auditorium ceiling has been ongoing since summer 2018. When the ceiling was inspected in September 2018 it was identified that a scaffold structure was needed above balcony to keep the Theatre open to customers and this was put in place.

Unfortunately as work progressed, it became apparent that more extensive work is required to the ceiling. The Guildhall Theatre has been closed since the 11 January so that these works can continue.

Following further investigations, it’s been concluded that the improvement  works to the ceiling must be progressed before the Theatre can reopen.

Given what is currently known, it is believed that it is reasonable and realistic to carry this work out and reopen in the autumn.

Cllr Alan Grimadell, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism says:

“It’s very unfortunate that the Guildhall Theatre has to remain closed until autumn, but the priority has to be the safety of our staff, partners and customers. Derby LIVE is looking to relocate events where possible.”

Which events have been affected?

The Guildhall Theatre will be closed until Monday 30 September. We will be looking at options to move some events to other venues.  Where this is not possible, the event will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

We will post updates about each event here as soon as details for each event are agreed:

Information on the alternative venues can be found here. 

The Guildhall Theatre Christmas show, The Christmas Toy Shop Mystery, will remain on sale.

All other Derby LIVE events at Derby Arena, Markeaton Park Craft Village and all other outdoor spaces and venues, will go ahead as planned.

What should I do if I have tickets for an event during this period?

We’re writing to customers who hold tickets for an event during this period. Our sales and information team is busy calling everyone to let them know about the Guildhall Theatre closure.

We will be looking at options to move some events to other venues.  Where this is not possible, the event will be cancelled and customers will receive a full refund.

As soon as we know whether the event(s) you have tickets for will be relocated or not, we’ll get in contact with you again (either by email, letter or telephone) to advise you either of the new venue or the cancellation and to offer a refund.

Is the Sales and Information Centre open?

Yes the Sales and Information Centre at the Assembly Rooms is open as usual from 9:30am-8pm, Monday – Saturday.

Should I contact the Sales and Information Centre?

It will take us some time to work through the list of affected events. We promise to get in touch with you as soon as possible. As you can imagine phone lines are busy, so we ask you to bear with us and wait for us to get in touch with you if possible.

Update 31 May

Derby City Council Spokesperson, said: "Earlier this year, it was very unfortunate the Guildhall Theatre was closed due to unforeseen circumstances arising while carrying out structural improvement works to the venue. It was hoped that we would be in a position in May to confirm that the venue would re-open after September. However because further investigative works need to take place it looks likely that the end of June is the earliest we will be able to confirm when the venue is re-opening"