The last audiences went to the Amulet Theatre in 2011
Pippa Rifka
BBC News, Somerset
A disused Somerset theatre -that campaigners want to bring back to life – has been donated the seating from a venue in Cambridgeshire that is undergoing refurbishment.
Originally, Shepton Mallet’s Amulet Theatre had been in line for £1m of government “levelling-up” funding but campaigners admit it is unlikely to go ahead, with an announcement expected next month.
Martin Berkeley, from Let’s Buy The Amulet group, says they are continuing with plans and costings in order to be “ahead of the game” should other potential funding streams become available.
The venue, owned by a private property group, is currently half derelict and half in use for the community as a gym and storage facility.
The site is currently half derelict but some rooms are being used for some community activities.
Built in 1975 by the Showerings family, best known for the locally produced drink Babycham, it has not been used as a theatre since 2011.
Campaigners say that although it may now take a lot longer to achieve, they remain hopeful it will one day be returned to entertaining audiences.
The Let’s Buy The Amulet group wants to purchase the site and turn it into a community asset in order to then bring in further funding.
Campaigners say they are prepared for any new funding streams that may come along
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Berkeley said: “The government is talking about local growth, talking about devolution so potential mayoral authorities and funding coming through that way.
“Unfortunately there is going to be some time delay while that transition works through.”
The Amulet Theatre was not the only local arts project in line for the levelling-up money, with a total of £5m allocated to the then Mendip District Council.
The now unitary Somerset Council has stated its funding bid was still being reviewed, with a final decision being expected in a matter of weeks.
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