Hundreds attend candlelit vigil to mourn closure of Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton

Hundreds of people attended a candlelit vigil this evening to mourn the closure of Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre.

A microphone was set up opening the floor to anyone who wanted to say a few words about the theatre.

People also had the opportunity to sign a banner dedicated to the memory of the 36 year-old community arts centre.

Robert Miles, chief executive at the Brewhouse Theatre, took to the microphone in a tearful farewell speech, commending all his staff for their dedication and hard work.

He said: “I really want to pay testament to 55 people who, like me, will be signing on at the job centre tomorrow.

“They are a great team, the best in the business, and anyone who says the closure of this theatre was down to mismanagement is severely mistaken.

“The fact is that this is a small 352 seat theatre and unlike larger venues Somerset, it was not possible for it to continue without funding.”

He added: “All we have ever asked for is the same level of subsidy that the Octagon in Yeovil and other theatres across Somerset have received.

“Last night we finished with our last sell-out performance and a standing ovation from the crowd. We couldn’t have done any more.”

Tearfully, Mr Miles ended his speech by saying: “You are all wonderful people who worked so hard for the arts, and I’m going to miss you.”

Below find a video of the vigil and hear part of Robert Miles’ emotional speech.