Group step closer to buying disused town theatre

The Amulet theatre in Shepton Mallet closed in 2022

A community group is a step closer to buying a disused Somerset theatre after raising more than £115,000.

The Amulet in Shepton Mallet was originally a gift to the town in 1975 from the Showering family, who were famous for inventing the Babycham drink.

It operated as a popular theatre and community centre for many years but closed in 2022.

Martin Berkeley from the Let's Buy The Amulet group said it was exciting to see widespread support in the community for bringing the venue back.

The group needed a minimum community investment of £100,000 in share purchases, and having achieved that is now aiming to raise £600,000 in grants and support from elsewhere.

Mr Berkeley said: "In all community fundraising efforts, the first thing that we would need to show when we go out and ask the people for more money... is support from the local people.

"So that's why we've gone through this process, first of all, to answer the question, if the building was open again, would the local people use it?"

He added the team has "definitely demonstrated" it has support.

Martin Berkeley (in the blue hat) says the group now needs another £600,000 before August 2027

The campaign also received a £15,000 donation from Shepton Mallet's council, which Mr Berkeley described as "very, very important".

Shepton Mallet Town Council said it was "proud to support local people who want to make a positive difference in our town".

"By setting aside this grant like this, we're helping to give community groups the chance to take the lead on projects that matter to them.

"We hope this funding will help unlock new opportunities for the town and encourage more people to get involved in shaping our community's future."

The share offer closes later and now has a target of August 2027 to make the purchase of the theatre.