FRUSTRATION is growing as the Brewhouse Theatre doors remain closed three months after the venue went into administration.

Amateur dramatic groups say the delays have meant they have been forced to choose other venues for upcoming shows.

Terry Wood, trustee of the Wayfarers, said they will be using Tacchi Morris Arts Centre for their New Year pantomime Jack in the Beanstalk, despite originally hoping to use the Brewhouse.

He said: “We could not wait any longer as our shows are at least six months in the preparation and preferably even longer – the Tacchi Morris management have been so welcoming.

“There comes a time when you just have to make the decisions and that time has now passed.”

Chairman of the Taunton Amateur Operatic Society Jill Venn said they will also use the Tacchi Morris for their autumn show Chorus Line.

She added: “Some time in the future we would consider returning to the Brewhouse if it was proven to be financially sound.

“However, we would require certain criteria to be laid down to safeguard our own finances. We do not see this happening in the short term.”

The delays are thought to be because of negotiations between Taunton Deane Council and administrators BDO but the council say they have not reached a conclusion.

Cllr Norman Cavill said: “We can understand the frustrations of local arts groups but our hands are very much tied by the administrators at present.

“The council is very keen to see a financially viable and sustainable arts hub in Taunton – it is vital for the county town.

“But it is important to ensure that any solution for the Brewhouse can be sustained in the future and this does take time.”

Cllr John Meikle, who is founder chairman of the Brewhouse and involved in one of the proposals that administrators are deliberating over, said he believes negotiations over the future of the theatre are in the closing stages with Taunton Deane Council.

Tacchi Morris Arts Centre say the closure had a big impact on their staff, programme and volunteers but added they want to see the Brewhouse Theatre open soon so that Taunton can have a ‘vibrant, inclusive, dynamic arts scene’ again.

The theatre went into administration on February 20.

 - MORE than 150 of the handwritten signatures from the people who want to see The Brewhouse re-opened as soon as possible were sent to administrators BDO this week.

There were also several hundred signatures on our online petition.