The Trustees of Taunton Theatre Association Ltd have announced that the charitable company will cease operating on October 31 and Taunton Brewhouse will close on the same date.
All performances and events scheduled for October will go ahead as advertised. Tickets are still available for some of these shows and patrons are asked to book online if they wish to attend.
For thirteen years, TTA has operated Taunton Brewhouse as the town’s venue for theatre, live performance and creative expression, serving as a community space for audiences, artists and local groups. 
Since the theatre’s temporary closure was announced on September 21, the organisation has explored options to continue operating. However, reduced funding, rising operational costs, increased responsibilities for building maintenance and lower ticket sales have left the charity unable to continue its work sustainably.
Despite financial support being donated or pledged over the past week, the Trustees concluded that there was insufficient time within the charity’s regulatory and organisational framework to develop and implement a viable long term plan.
Chair of Trustees, Val Hammond, said: “This is an incredibly difficult moment for everyone connected to TTA. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, donors and partners who have stood with us over the years.
“Although this chapter is closing, the legacy of our work will live on through the lives we have touched. The theatre building remains in the ownership of Somerset Council and we hope that, in due course, a new team of enthusiasts will bring the vision and energy needed to reopen it. I believe we are all united in thinking it inconceivable that Taunton should be without a public theatre.”
The trustees said they recognised the news would be upsetting to many people. Members of the public holding tickets for events scheduled from November 1 onwards were advised to retain their booking confirmation and evidence of payment. Further information about the claims process would be provided in due course.
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