£15m plans to revamp and reopen theatre approved

A much-loved theatre that has been closed for nearly three years has been granted planning permission for a £15m redevelopment.

Yeovil's Octagon Theatre has been shut since May 2023 after a previous larger-scale refurbishment was abandoned due to rising costs.

Somerset Council's planning committee approved the scheme which includes making changes to the foyer and cafe, creating a new studio space and extending the backstage area.

Local councils have submitted a business case to the government to try and secure £10m of funding towards the work, which could start in the next year.

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.

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