'Theatre's ongoing closure is really sad for town'

The ongoing closure of a theatre is having an "enormous" impact on a town, "denying children, actors and crowds a chance to use a professional playhouse".

Yeovil's Octagon Theatre in Somerset shut in April 2023 to allow for a £15m upgrade. But there have been multiple delays, with people waiting for Somerset Council to submit a revised business after the initial proposals were scaled down.

Rich Walters, vice chairman of the town's Civic Players, said: "Community theatre is not just a bit of fun, it feeds into the whole of society."

Somerset Council spokesperson said the authority remained committed to reopening the theatre, with work expected to be completed in 2026 or 2027.

The Swan Theatre is now the only community theatre open in the town, offering audiences a 131-seat auditorium and a stage.

A crowdfunder has been launched to help this volunteer-run venue upgrade while The Octagon is closed.

Mark Payne, chair of The Swan Theatre Company, said there is "a lot of appetite" for local people aspiring to break into the arts.

But, Mr Walters said there is now a shortage of performing arts space in the area.

He said: "All of us miss The Octagon - the opportunity to work at a professional theatre is amazing.

"A lot of people from this area who may have worked with societies have gone on to professional training and are now working as professionals in the industry."

He is concerned that the lack of theatre space will negatively impact young people.

"We all know the pressure on children these days is even more intense now and to have something like theatre to express themselves and meet other likeminded people... the impact cannot be underestimated," he added.

Both of the actors said that the closure of The Octagon has had an "enormous" impact on audiences too, with some productions unable to tour to the area because of a lack of space or availability.

A council spokesperson said they recognised the theatre's importance as an arts and entertainment venue.

They added that work is under way on submitting a revised business case to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The refurbishment has been scaled down from the initial £30m plan, due to rising costs making the original project "unviable".

The timescale of the project is subject to a wider review with a newly appointed design team, but more clarity is expected "in the coming weeks".

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for communities, said: "The Octagon Theatre redevelopment is a pivotal project that will modernise the venue for the whole of Somerset, making it a hub for cultural expression."

Mr Payne added the closure is "a really sad thing for the town".

"We know that there's procedures to go through, but it's taken such a long time already," Mr Walters added.

"We want our Octagon back."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.