Somerset Council to “explore options” for future of Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton
The theatre, located in the Coal Orchard area, will close its doors on October 31 after running into financial difficulties
Last updated 8th Oct 2026
Somerset Council has said it will “explore options” for the future of the Brewhouse Theatre in a bid to continue supporting arts in and around Taunton.
The theatre, located in the Coal Orchard area, will close its doors on October 31 after running into financial difficulties – with the Taunton Theatre Association (the charity which runs the venue) being formally dissolved.
Kye Dudd, the south west official representative of the actors’ union Equity, urged Somerset Council on Wednesday (October 7) to take action to secure “a sustainable long-term future” for the venue, to prevent lasting damage to Somerset’s cultural offering and protect local jobs.
The council (which owns the freehold on the theatre) said it was meeting with the TTA and other partners to find a way forward, but declined to speculate on what the immediate future would hold for the site.
Mr Dudd – who also represents the Southmead ward on Bristol City Council – made a statement to the council’s executive committee when it convened in Taunton on Wednesday morning (October 7).
He said: “It is now public knowledge that the trust which runs the theatre is going to fold at the end of the month – so it’s even less clear about what the future is for the theatre.
“The Brewhouse plays a really key role in Somerset in supporting work for creatives, as well as people behind the scenes – and it’s done this for many years.
“The announcement of the closure has already had an impact on Equity members, because a number of our members were contracted for the Christmas show, which has now been cancelled.
“It’s very difficult for our members to replace that kind of income that they’ve lost at very short notice, because obviously all the other Christmas shows have already cast their parts.
“It’s left our members out of pocket at a very crucial time of year for them and their families – and with the trust folding, it’s going to have a massive impact on all the staff there as well.
“We’re very concerned about the impact on jobs, but also the economy of Taunton and more widely in Somerset in terms of the visitor economy.
“It’s very well-known that cultural institutions have a massive economic multiplying effect in the localities in which they’re based – especially for the evening and night-time economies, through pubs, restaurants and car parking income.”
The Brewhouse receives around £105,000 a year from Taunton Town Council to help cover its running costs – with the town council recently agreeing to provide this annual subsidy up to 2031.
The theatre also managed to secure more than £500,000 from Arts Council England (ACE) – but this has to be spent on physical improvements to the venue, rather than paying its bills.
Mr Dudd added: “I don’t know what’s going to happen to that funding – is that at risk now? Does that go back to ACE to be reallocated elsewhere?
“I’m calling on Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council to work with us, as the trade union for performers, to come up with a long-term solution to secure the future of the Brewhouse.
“I think that’s going to be a lot more difficult now that the trust has folded, because you’re almost going to have to start from square one.
“I’m very keen to hear what the plan is from the council, as the owners of the building, and I look forward to working with you on that.”
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, environment and climate change, said that the council was already holding discussions with the TTA about the venue’s future and seeking clarity from ACE regarding the capital funding.
Ms Smith-Roberts (who represents the Taunton East division) said: “The Brewhouse has been an important part of Taunton’s cultural offer for many years, supporting audiences, artists, volunteers and the wider community.
“We recognise the concern that its closure creates for those who work in the creative sector and for local residents.
“A year or so ago, we gave the TTA a full repairing lease, because that allowed them to access other grants – like the ACE funding that they were successful in receiving.
“We’ll have to pick it up with them and ACE as to what happens to that money.
“Our immediate focus is on understanding the implications of the TTA’s decision and working with partners to explore what options may exist for the future of the building and cultural provision in Taunton and the wider area.
“Those discussions are already starting to take place with key stakeholders, including the town council, TTA representatives and others. I actually have a meeting tonight October 7 that I’m attending, which I’ve facilitated to start those discussions and move them forward.
“It would be premature at the moment to speculate on what any future solution may look like, but I can assure you that we recognise the importance of the Brewhouse. and we’ll continue to work constructively with partners to understand what opportunities may be available.
“More broadly, we remain committed to supporting arts and culture across Somerset and recognise the important contribution they make to our communities, economy, health and well-being, and general quality of life.”
Council leader Bill Revans added: “I know that this is a concern for many in the wider Taunton area and in the performing arts community.
“We do hope to find a resolution to this issue, which is obviously a tricky one.
“We’re looking to support the performing arts whenever we can with our partners.”