Folkestone’s Leas Cliff Hall is having safety checks after last night’s ceiling collapse at the Apollo.

A total 76 people were hurt in the disaster in the packed West End theatre.

Now the Folkestone venue’s roof and ceiling are being checked as a precaution, say its managers ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group).

A spokesman said: “As an extra precaution and in order to reassure our customers, ATG’s ceiling contractors have begun additional ceilling and roof survey within the company’s theatres.

“ATG is firmly committed to the best health and safety practices throughout the company and follows strict industry guidelines.”

The company stresses that all its theatres already have appropriate ceiling certificates, receive regular building inspections and recently underwent full satisfactory condition and structural surveys.

It adds that it continually makes significant investments in the maintenance, upkeep and improvement of its venues to ensure audience safety and comfort. Staff are regularly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures.

The spokesman added:” ATG is deeply saddened by last night’s incident. The company’s thought are with everyone that has been affected and wishes those that were injured a full and speedy recovery.”

Part of the ceiling collapsed in the Apollo in Shaftesbury Avenue, London, at about 8.15pm last night as when it had an audience 720. Seven of those hurt were today reported to have serious injuries and two people remain in hospital.

The cause of the accident is still being investigated but one theory being explored is that it was the effects of a thunderstorm, with lightning and heavy burst of rain, that evening.

Early reports suggested that water had dripped through cracks in the ceiling before it fell in.
The Leas Cliff Hall is managed by ATG on behalf of Shepway District Council.

ATG is in charge of other major theatres such as the Churchill in Bromley, the Lyceum in central London and the Edinburgh Playhouse,
The Apollo is under the ownership and control of another company , Nimax.