Equity has written to Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council urging them to work with the Taunton Theatre Association charitable trust to secure the long-term future of Brewhouse Theatre, as the venue says it will close at the end of October.
The performing arts and entertainment trade union said the closure would cancel all shows after that date, including the in-house pantomime production of Treasure Island. Somerset Council owns the building, while Taunton Town Council provides funding towards the theatre's running costs.
Equity's Southwest Official met the Trust on Monday and has now written formally to both councils seeking an urgent meeting.
Dudd: devastating for community and creative jobs
Kye Dudd, Equity Southwest Official, said the loss of the venue would hit local audiences, the economy and creative workers hard.
"The closure of Taunton Brewhouse theatre would be devastating for the local community, would badly hit Taunton's economy and leave a gaping hole in the provision of arts and culture for audiences across Somerset.
"This is a major venue which provides work and opportunities for many local and touring shows. Equity members are already seeing the cancellation of work, with rehearsals for this year's Christmas show stopped and opportunities for touring shows axed.
"Equity is asking the local councils to work together, along with the Trust and other stakeholders, to secure a sustainable future for the venue."
In letters to Somerset Council leader Councillor Bill Revans and Taunton Town Council, Equity asked for urgent talks on options to prevent a permanent closure, warned about lost earnings from the cancelled Christmas production, and noted the theatre intends to honour contractual cancellation payments.
Brewhouse Theatre still has a full October programme of music, comedy, opera and shows, plus community workshops and classes.
