ABERGAVENNY’S Borough Theatre is facing a temporary closure after fears over the safety and comfort of theatre-goers and staff during the current renovations.

The Chronicle understands that the problems centre around a lift shaft left empty by the removal of the old lift which is now acting as a channel for dragging dust and airborn debris from the ongoing work into the auditorium.

Management at the Theatre are currently working with promoters and producers to reschedule the shows that were set to be staged this month.

Casualties include Jamie Smith’s Mabon - which will now be going ahead next March; Andrew Lawrence, Back to Bacharach, I Wish I Was a Mountain, Lovecraft (Not the Sex Shop in Cardiff), European Union Chamber Orchestra and Hope and Social.

The ongoing work encompasses changes and erenovations throughout the Town Hall building, including not only the Theatre but extensive changes to the front of the Market Hall. It is here that a new lift is planned.

The Theatre will reopen on October 29 with ’The Addams Family’, featuring Abergavenny Amateur Operatic and Drama Society’s junior section.

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said, ’We have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close the Borough Theatre while renovations on the building are carried out.

’As with all building work, there is currently a high level of dust and disruption on site. The council takes the safety and wellbeing of the performers, guests and staff extremely seriously and feel this is the best course of action at this time.

’The theatre will open for the upcoming performance of The Addams Family musical on October 29. Anyone who has booked tickets to a show during this closure period is asked to get in touch with the box office to find out whether the show has been rescheduled or to receive a refund.

’We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope audiences will visit the newly refurbished town hall, market hall and theatre in the near future.