MONTH one into the new life of Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre has been a “baptism of fire”, says one of the brains behind its re-opening.

Val Hammond, joint director of the Taunton Theatre Association, also said it had gone “better than expected” since the theatre opened on April 8.

Speaking to the County Gazette, Val said: “We had two full-week shows, which were both well received, and people are still talking about them, which, when you are starting from scratch...”

Five weeks in, audiences have been treated to Taunton Gang Show, High School Musical, and a one-off Limelight Theatre performance, as well as the double-whammy Tone Talent shows, and art exhibitions.

Val added: “We’ve had a good opportunity to test out the theatre in a lot of different ways, and it has worked.”

The programming for the theatre continues to change day-to-day.

“It’s very, very hard, even for me, to keep up with what’s going on,” said Val.

And, while there is plenty in store for theatre-goers, it seems not everyone has got the message the Brewhouse is back open for business.

Val said: “Some people have telephoned the Brewhouse asking if it’s open, or come in to ask if we are.

“I’ve been into some shops where people have said to me, ‘Of course, the Brewhouse is closed’, and I have had to insist that’s not the case.

“We are open, and that’s the big message we want to get out.”