After more than ten years, the Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet came alive again this weekend with its first live theatre performances in over a decade. This milestone follows Somerset Council’s recent refusal of a planning application that proposed converting the historic venue into residential flats and retail space, thanks to vigorous efforts by local campaigners dedicated to preserving this cherished community asset.
The controversial proposal aimed to redevelop the site into seven flats and one shop. However, planning officers denied the application, citing the unjustified loss of an important community space and the potential negative impact on the town’s historic character. The council emphasized that the developer failed to provide evidence proving the community use of the building was no longer viable. They warned that losing the theatre would significantly harm the sustainability of Shepton Mallet’s town centre.
The council’s report highlighted several concerns:
- The development would result in the loss of a key social infrastructure facility valued by locals.
- No convincing evidence supports that the theatre or alternative cultural uses are economically impractical or unfeasible.
- The proposed glazed vestibule was criticized for its scale, materials, and impact on the historic Market Square, introducing an incongruous and visually dominant feature that would damage the area’s heritage.
- Overall design quality and failure to harmonize with the local context further intensified the harm.
- While the plan offered moderate housing and economic benefits, these fell far short compared to the cumulative adverse effects on community and heritage assets.
Martin Berkeley, leading the “Let’s Buy the Amulet” campaign, expressed elation at the decision: “We’re thrilled Somerset Council recognized the vital community value of the Amulet Theatre and rejected plans that would undermine our town centre.”
The community-led campaign is gaining momentum with 113 local shareholders investing over £58,000. Thanks to a £25,000 grant from Co-Operative Community Finance facilitating share purchases in installments, the community share offer has been extended through October, enabling more residents to get involved.
On August 16, the Amulet hosted two sold-out performances of Noel Coward’s classic farce Private Lives in a makeshift 65-seat auditorium on the theatre’s ground floor. The space is outfitted with a stage, professional lighting, a control room, and a mini dressing room. The campaign group plans to continue using this event space, with a sold-out horror comedy Highgate Vampire set for the following weekend.
Originally opened in 1975, the Amulet Theatre was a gift to Shepton Mallet from the Showering family, known for their Babycham cider empire. Its bold 1970s brutalist architecture features a unique moving floor that converts the venue from a 270-seat theatre to a 400-capacity dance hall, perfectly situated in the heart of town. Though popular for decades as a theatre and community hub, it has largely been under private ownership and inactive since 2011.
Now, united local residents and community groups are working to restore the Amulet to its full public and cultural potential. With national arts community support and hopes for further funding, sponsorship, and donations, the future looks promising for this iconic theatre to once again become a vibrant centre for arts and community life in Shepton Mallet.