Taunton pantomime group raises £2,000 for Brewhouse Theatre

The Wayfarers Pantomime Group have been performing the yearly festive shows at Taunton Brewhouse ever since the theatre first opened in 1977.

The group say they were "shocked" to hear of the theatre's sudden closure announcement earlier this week, and have rallied together to launch an online fundraiser to help save the popular venue.

Martin Lock, Chair of Wayfarers Pantomime Group, told the Somerset County Gazette that the Taunton Brewhouse plays a vital role for performers and audiences in the Somerset town.

Martin explained: "We all feel passionate about wanting to see the building remain and continue, and for us to be able to do what we enjoy doing to entertain the people of Taunton and Somerset.

“I think it's devastating for Taunton. It’s a lovely theatre, it’s a lovely building and it’s brought a lot of happiness to a lot of people that have been involved with it and still continue to be involved with it."

Since 1969, the pantomime group has been hosting annual shows in the town, and has been based at the Taunton Brewhouse for nearly 50 years since the venue first opened.

Pantomime players launch fundraiser for under-threat theatre

Martin explained that after hearing the shock news of the theatre's threatened closure earlier this week, the group decided to set up the fundraiser yesterday, Wednesday September 23, and have been "taken aback" at the amount of support and donations they've already achieved.

Together with other performing groups including Somerset Opera and the Taunton Association of Performing Arts, the fundraiser was launched with the provisional goal of raising £50,000 to help keep the Brewhouse open past the end of October.

Martin explained: “The plan is, if it’s really successful, then we’ll extend it, but also to show other people that we’re trying to do something and ask what else others can be doing as well."

It's understood that around £150,000 in funds may be needed to keep the Brewhouse open. Martin added: “I don’t think we can do it all, but between us and working together, we might be able to achieve something.

"The thought of Taunton, the county town, not having a theatre as part of that cultural fabric of our community just seems really upsetting, and the town would be a much lesser place for it."

Wayfarers have been hosting their yearly shows at Taunton Brewhouse for nearly 50 years - as long as the venue has been open (Image: Wayfarers Pantomime Society)

Taunton Brewhouse set to close unless new funds found

In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, the trustees of the Brewhouse Theatre said: “It is with heartfelt regret that the Trustees of Taunton Theatre Association announce that, without further funds, Taunton Brewhouse will close at the end of October 2026.”

The charity added that it will not take bookings beyond October while the situation remains uncertain, and will contact customers with tickets for performances scheduled from November 1.

The Brewhouse, one of Somerset's best-known arts and entertainment venues which was set to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, said the venue had been under increasing financial strain worsened by the hot summer weather and a decline in attendance.

Somerset Council, who own the freehold for the Brewhouse, told the Somerset County Gazette it was "extremely sad" to hear of the news of the closure, but stopped short of committing to emergency funding to save the venue.

The Council said: "We recognise the important role that the arts plays in our towns and communities, unfortunately it is not something many local authorities have the financial resources to support, without significant external funding."

Pantomime group moving ahead with festive performance plans

Although the Brewhouse's announcement has placed a big question mark over the pantomime's future, the Wayfarers group are keen to keep rehearsals going and plan to tread the boards regardless this festive season.

A production of Aladdin has already been announced earlier this year, and the group are striving to keep Taunton's pantomime festivities going however they can.

Martin Lock said: “Although we’re not selling any tickets at the moment, my message to everybody is that we will be performing somewhere and something.”

He added: "We’ve paid deposits on sound equipment, a deposit to the Brewhouse, and deposits on lighting equipment, scenery and costumes. So financially, we’re committed to producing something next year, and I think we should strive to do it.”