Apollo Theatre Collapse Update: Other West End Theatres at Risk

Last December, the 112-year-old building which housed the West End's Apollo Theatre was shut down in order to give investigators time to work out why its roof collapsed, raining wooden beams and chunks of plaster on to the fully packed house. Seven people were seriously injured and 80 others hurt in the incident, which occurred during a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

In an article in today's The Telegraph, the Westminster Council warns other West End theatre owners to inspect their properties now that a full explanation as to why the Apollo Theatre collapsed has been revealed.

According to a letter sent to West End Theatres by the Council, "the principal cause" of the collapse was due to the deterioration of century-old cloth and plaster ties holding up timber frames. This negates original reports that the incident was due to heavy rain which fell in the area that evening. Theatre owners have been warned to inspect their ornate ceilings as "a matter of urgency."

The ceiling and balcony of the Apollo have undergone extensive repairs, while the auditorium, front of house and backstage have been refurbished. The theatre is scheduled to re-open this Wednesday with the new play, 'Let The Right One In.' The building's safety has been confirmed by the Westminster City Council.

Read the story in full here.