Government reaffirms funding for Yeovil theatre

The government has reaffirmed £10 million of funding is still available to upgrade a town's theatre.

The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil shut in April 2023 and Somerset Council plans to upgrade the building and reopen it for the 2026 pantomime season.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport confirmed the funding for the theatre, following Labour's first budget after winning the general election.

Federica Smith-Roberts from the council said: "This is a positive step forward, considering there were concerns about what the budget would bring."

Ms Smith-Roberts added: "This allows us to bring forward our revised business case.

"This will be a smaller project but we still look to enhance the theatre facilities and tackle the accessibility issues."

The running of the building will pass to Yeovil Town Council once it reopens.

A revised outline business case relating to The Octagon is in development and will be submitted to the government for consideration in the spring of 2025.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.