Theatre temporarily closes for work once again

Jacob PanonsSouth East
Getty Images A large white building, with a sign saying Dorking Halls. There are trees and plants in front of the building. Getty Images
Dorking Halls is scheduled to reopen in time for the pantomime season

A theatre says it has closed for the second and final phase of "essential works" with the plan to reopen in nine months' time for the pantomime season.

Dorking Halls in Surrey, as well as its cafe and bar, closed on Saturday, but the team behind the site was offering a programme of events at the nearby Pippbrook House.

As part of the second phase of work, outdated mechanical and electrical systems will be replaced, solar panels and heat recovery systems will be installed to cut carbon emissions, and the grand hall's lighting equipment will be upgraded.

The theatre was first closed between June and December 2024, with the main work being to replace the plaster ceiling in the grand hall.

Events being held at Pippbrook House include children's shows, stand-up comedy, talks, and a summer theatre workshop.

Dorking Halls was built in 1931 and underwent a large-scale refurbishment between 1994-1997. It was also updated in 2017.

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