THE future of Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre is hanging in the balance due to a lack of funding.

Despite good ticket sales and community support, the theatre is in crisis talks with funders after running out of cash.

But Paul Birch, chairman of the board of trustees, says every option is being explored and the theatre must stay open.

He said: “This is a national issue with many regional theatres struggling.

“We are talking to all our funders right now, holding lots of meetings with Taunton Deane, Somerset County Council and the Arts Council as well as MP Jeremy Browne- there are an awful lot of people involved and they’re all saying that the Brewhouse has to survive.”

Mr Birch said the theatre is integral to the community, delivering around £4.4million into the local economy.

“The theatre does an awful lot more than just put on shows,” he added. “At the moment we are trying to find a way through this that works for us.

“If we can’t do something by the end of the month, although I’m sure there will be a solution, we will be turning to everybody for help.”

Although Mr Birch says the theatre has been struggling to meet a funding gap for years, they had always found a way of managing but this time had exhausted all options.

“If we don’t find a solution to this, the bottom line is the Brewhouse will have to close.

“But there is a solution – there has to be.

“Everyone involved says it must survive because the Brewhouse matters.”

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