The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre

The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre stands on the banks of the River Tone in Taunton, Somerset. The building opened in 1977 and houses a 352-seat auditorium, a 60-seat studio theatre, and an exhibition gallery. It also includes a cinema that streams performances from major venues like the National Theatre and the Royal Opera House. The theatre presents professional and amateur productions, live music, comedy, and cinema screenings. Its first professional show was Alan Ayckbourn’s *The Norman Conquests*, which featured a then-unknown David Jason. The theatre has a history of adapting to challenges and securing its future through community and public support. After funding cuts in the 2000s, a new director was appointed to revitalise its artistic output. In 2010, it received a £487,500 grant to continue programming during economic downturns. Following closure in 2013, it reopened in 2014 under independent management. A crowdfunding campaign in 2015 helped install cinema equipment, and in 2016 it became an official National Theatre Live streaming venue. Visitors find a mix of performance spaces and creative areas. The main auditorium has a flexible stage and orchestra pit, while the studio theatre hosts smaller productions and workshops. The Westward Room, in the Old Brewery House, overlooks the river through large bay windows. The gallery displays visual arts, and the Creative Hub supports workshops and rehearsals. The site’s history as a brewery dating back to the 18th century adds character to the modern arts centre.