03/07/2026
Great Theatre, we need answers!
Two councillors have published an open letter directed to Councillor Richard Biggs, Leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough. They are now calling for as many people as possible to support and sign the letter.
Green Party Councillor Elly Heaton, representative for Redhill West & Meadvale on East Surrey Council Shadow Authority, and Independent Councillor Mark Smith, representative for Redhill West and Wray Common on Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, have called for transparency regarding plans to reopen the Harlequin Theatre.
Published Friday 3rd July 2026, the letter states ‘Today marks more than 1,000 days since the Harlequin Theatre closed its doors. In that time, Redhill has lost far more than a theatre. Local businesses have lost customers, the town centre has lost footfall, and our community has lost one of its most important cultural assets. A local business group estimates that the closure has now cost surrounding businesses nearly £2.5 million in lost revenue.
Residents have been repeatedly assured that progress was being made. We were told construction would begin by June 2026. We were told the Harlequin would host a Christmas show in 2026. Those commitments have not been met’.
The letter goes onto state ‘We are therefore calling on you to publish, by 22 July 2026, a detailed public timetable setting out:
* The remaining work required to reopen the Harlequin
* Key milestones and target dates
* The reasons for the delays to date
* The expected reopening date
At the time of publishing 17 local Green Party cllrs have signed the open letter. This is alongside 2 independent cllrs, 15 local business and community group leaders, as well as Dame Judi Dench!
If you also wish to support and sign the open letter please contact Green Party Cllr Paul Chandler by emailing [email protected]
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