TAUNTON’S Brewhouse theatre will potentially be able to raise more funds and won’t have to pay so much tax after becoming a charity – a week before it re-opens.

The Charity Commission has approved Taunton Theatre Association’s status ahead of the riverside theatre’s first performance, 14 months after it shut with spiralling debts.

TTA chairman Val Hammond said: “This is a great step, potentially improving our chances of raising funds from trusts restricted to charities, allowing us to receive gift aid and offering many other benefits.”

The re-opening will be marked by the Gang Show on Tuesday (April 8), when a number of surprises are promised alongside traditional acts.

This month’s programme also includes the Young Musical Theatre Company’s ‘upandatem’ from April 16 to 19, with a stage adaptation of Disney's High School Musical.

And 80s pop star Howard Jones will headline the Mayor’s Variety Show highlighting Tone Talent on Saturday, April 26, raising funds for Cllr Libby Lisgo’s charities and TTA.

For information about shows and tickets visit www.tauntontheatre.org.uk