Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, has written to Somerset County Council and Taunton Town Council calling on them to work with the Taunton Theatre Association charitable trust to secure the long-term future of the county’s flagship arts venue, Brewhouse Theatre.
The move comes as the Brewhouse Theatre says it will close at the end of October, cancelling all shows after that date, including the in-house pantomime production of Treasure Island.
This is a major venue which provides work and opportunities for many local and touring shows. Equity members are already seeing the cancellation of work, with rehearsals for this year’s Christmas show stopped and opportunities for touring shows axed.
Kye Dudd, Equity Southwest Official
Equity’s Southwest Official met with the Trust on Monday and has now written formally to both councils seeking an urgent meeting. Somerset Council owns the building, while Taunton Council provides funding towards the theatre’s running.
Kye Dudd, Equity Southwest Official, said: “The closure of Taunton Brewhouse theatre would be devastating for the local community, would badly hit Taunton’s economy and leave a gaping hole in the provision of arts and culture for audiences across Somerset.
“This is a major venue which provides work and opportunities for many local and touring shows. Equity members are already seeing the cancellation of work, with rehearsals for this year’s Christmas show stopped and opportunities for touring shows axed.
“Equity is asking the local councils to work together, along with the Trust and other stakeholders, to secure a sustainable future for the venue.”
Brewhouse Theatre has a full programme through the month of October, including music, comedy, opera and shows alongside community workshops and classes in dance, art, writing and yoga.
The full text of Equity’s letters to Somerset and Taunton Councils are included below:
Dear Councillor Revans,
I am writing on behalf of Equity to request an urgent meeting with you to discuss the closure of The Brewhouse in Taunton and the actions that can be taken to secure the venue's long-term future.
The announcement that The Brewhouse will cease operating at the end of this month has caused considerable concern amongst our members. As a producing and presenting venue, The Brewhouse plays an important role in supporting the employment of Equity Members and other creative workers, as well as providing cultural opportunities for local audiences and economic benefit to Taunton.
We are concerned by the cancellation of the theatre's in-house Christmas production, Treasure Island. The loss of this production has already resulted in the loss of earning opportunities for our members and other freelance creative workers who had anticipated work through the engagement. The theatre has indicated its intention to us to honour contractual cancellation payments that result from this.
We believe that the loss of this important cultural asset would have a negative impact on the local economy, the creative workforce, and the communities that rely upon it. As the freeholder of the building, Somerset Council has a crucial role to play in exploring solutions that could prevent a permanent closure and safeguard theatre provision in Taunton for the future.
We would therefore welcome an urgent meeting with you and relevant council officers to discuss the current situation, understand what options are being considered, and explore how Equity and other stakeholders can work constructively with Somerset Council, Taunton Town Council and the theatre's trustees to secure a sustainable future for the venue.
Given the seriousness of the situation and the immediate impact on jobs and livelihoods, we would be grateful if a meeting could be arranged at the earliest opportunity.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Kye Dudd
Southwest Official
Dear Donna,
I hope that you are well.
I am forwarding the attached email that I have sent to the Leader of Somerset Council regarding the proposed closure of The Brewhouse, Taunton.
Given Taunton Town Council's support for the venue and its importance to the cultural life of the town, I would welcome a similar meeting with the Town Council to discuss the current situation, the impact that the closure is having on creative workers, and how local stakeholders might work together to secure the long-term future of the theatre.
We are particularly concerned about the loss of employment and earning opportunities resulting from the cancellation of the theatre's Christmas production, as well as the wider impact that the closure will have on the local creative economy and community.
I would be grateful if you could advise on the best way to arrange a meeting with you and the appropriate councillors at the earliest opportunity.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Kye Dudd
Southwest Official
