Plans to revamp and reopen theatre to be discussed

A council is to make a decision on scaled backed plans to refurbish a dilapidated theatre that is currently closed.

The £15m renovations to improve, improve, update and extend the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil is to be considered by Somerset Council's planning committee.

The plans include making changes to the foyer and cafe, creating a new studio space and extending the backstage area.

Federica Smith-Roberts, the council's culture lead, said: "This is a major milestone for this exciting project, it's fantastic to see the plans being submitted and to get a glimpse of what it will look like".

The theatre was closed in May 2023 for a rebuild, but alternative plans were later drawn up after councillors decided the original business case was no longer affordable.

Under the new plans, seating in the auditorium will be renewed and there will be more accessible places and a new external terrace.

At the back of the building, they want to create a fly-tower, a tall vertical structure above the stage, to store lift and move scenery, lights and props during a performance

It is hoped the changes will mean the theatre can host a wider range of productions with more complicated sets.

Somerset and Yeovil Town councils have submitted a business case to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to try to secure £10m of funding for the project once it has planning permission.

The plans being considered by Somerset Council's Planning Committee South have been recommended for approval.

If approved, work is expected to start in this financial year.

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