Taunton Brewhouse, a 50-year-old Somerset theatre, is closing permanently at the end of the month, with all 23 staff made redundant. The venue's bosses said it is being forced to shut after "exhausting all possible alternatives".
Taunton Theatre Association, which ran the theatre, is making all 23 staff redundant. All performances and events scheduled for October will go ahead as advertised, and tickets are still available for some shows, with people asked to book online if they wish to attend.
Chair's statement and funding history
Chair of trustees Val Hammond said: "This is an incredibly difficult moment for everyone. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who have stood with us over the years. Although this chapter is closing, the legacy of our work will live on through the lives we have touched."
Somerset Council, which still owns the theatre building, previously provided £132,000 a year to support the Brewhouse, but the money was stopped in 2025. Taunton Town Council provided £100,000 this year to keep the theatre running, but according to Ms Hammond, the funds were not enough.
Reasons for closure and ticket advice
It is understood that a combination of reduced income, rising operational costs, increased responsibilities for building maintenance, and lower ticket sales have left the charity unable to continue its work. The company said in a statement: "Despite the generosity of individuals who have donated or pledged financial support over the past week, we have concluded that the regulatory and organisational frameworks in which we have to operate do not give us the time to develop and implement a robust survival plan."
People with a ticket booking for an event on November 1 (or afterwards) are being advised to keep their booking confirmation and evidence of payment. Ticket holders will receive further information about the claims process in due course, the trust added.
Council responses and legacy
Federica Smith-Roberts, lead for communities at Somerset Council, said: "It was hard to make that decision when it came to the funding, but it's been really well documented about the challenges that local government face when it comes to finances."
A spokesperson for Taunton Town Council said the authority was "committed to listening and to understanding" what could be done to secure the future of the theatre. Ms Hammond added: "We hope that, in due course, a new team of enthusiasts will bring the vision and energy needed to reopen it. I believe we are all united in thinking it inconceivable that Taunton should be without a public theatre."
Taunton Brewhouse opened in March 1977 after a successful campaign for a theatre in the town. The venue's first professional production was Alan Ayckbourn's play 'The Norman Conquests', starring David Jason.
