Theatre Company Cancels Christmas Production Following Venue Ceiling Collapse

A theatre company that provides performing arts education for disabled adults has been compelled to cancel its Christmas production after a section of its venue’s ceiling collapsed. The Side by Side Theatre Company, situated at The SideSpace in Stourbridge, reported that a substantial piece of plaster detached and “exploded” within the premises. The group of actors confirmed that no individuals sustained injuries during the incident, which occurred in the former St John’s Church, where they had been rehearsing their Christmas concert. Now in its 27th year, the theatre company boasts a history of performances at the Edinburgh Fringe, in Sweden and Prague, and with the Royal Shakespeare’s Open Stages. The group indicated that the plaster fell “without any warning” on September 27, while they were rehearsing for a week of festive shows. A spokesperson stated, “Fortunately the only people in the building at the time were the secretary and two trustees, who were all in the office.” The spokesperson added, “Had anyone been near the falling plaster the result could have been fatal.” Since the collapse, the company’s trustees have been attempting to secure a professional contractor. Their objective is to have the ceiling assessed to ascertain the cause of the plaster’s fall, evaluate its safety, and obtain a quotation for the necessary repairs. However, despite weeks of making phone calls and receiving promises, no assistance has materialized to help them rectify the situation. Management is now exploring the possibility of utilizing other local venues for their performances. The company noted that while actors have continued their sessions in other sections of the church, these areas lack the capacity to accommodate an audience. The spokesperson further explained, “[We] have asked around other venues in the area, in the hope of performing elsewhere, but everything is either booked up at this time of the year or they are not suitable.” Since acquiring St John’s Church in 2019, the company has broadened its offering of Performing Arts classes, reaching a greater number of individuals with learning disabilities and special needs. According to the spokesperson, “To not be able to perform a Christmas concert this year is extremely disappointing for [the actors] and they still don’t know how long it is going to be until they can use the SideSpace for performances again.”