Theatre to close over 'serious financial constraints'

A town's theatre will close next month because of "very serious financial constraints", its chair has said.

The Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton, Somerset, has confirmed it will shut on 31 October, though it hopes this will be temporary. All shows after that date have been cancelled.

Taunton Theatre Association, the charity which runs the playhouse, launched an appeal on Saturday asking people to pledge a donation to save it, while a separate fundraiser has generated nearly £10,000.

Val Hammond, the charity's chair, said they had received more than one "big pledge", but added they "still have a huge gap to go", with an aim of raising £150,000 in total.

The trustees previously said the theatre's financial problems had come after a "prolonged period of challenging trading conditions" exacerbated by this summer's heatwaves, which saw some shows cancelled.

"We can't just put up the prices of tickets more and more. We've come to a very difficult stage," Hammond told BBC Radio Somerset.

"We have a very loyal and lively audience, wonderful staff and marvellous volunteers," she added.

"Everybody puts all they can possibly do into making the Brewhouse successful.

"It is successful but we face very serious financial constraints at the present time, which is why we have to close."

Wayfarers Pantomime Society, which was due to put on its Aladdin performance next year, has played at the Brewhouse every year it has been open since 1977.

Martin Lock, the society's chair, said the £150,000 needed was "a daunting amount".

"With the people who are talking I'd really like to say my confidence is increasing," he said.

"But we can't sit back on our laurels, we can't take anything for granted and we've got to keep doing what we're doing.

"Try and be part of that solution for the theatre and town going forward."

"Its entirely possible this [summer heatwaves] is going to happen more and more, said Mark Dawson from Taunton Association of Performing Arts and Taunton Thespians, whose show's listing was removed from the website.

"The Brewhouse management have to adapt to that, and take measures to alleviate the reduction in turnout for the shows," added Dawson.

In a statement, the theatre confirmed all performances and activities would continue as normal throughout October.

It also confirmed ticket holders for the shows which were scheduled for after 31 October would be contacted.

The statement added: "Our financial difficulties stem from a prolonged period of challenging trading conditions driven by rising costs and fluctuating visitor numbers.

"As a charity, our finances are always finely balanced and, regrettably, we do not have sufficient reserves to absorb these losses.

"The speed of closure is determined by the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to charities and companies facing financial difficulties".

The theatre was set to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

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