The Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet hosted its first live performance in more than ten years this past weekend, marking a significant victory for local arts enthusiasts and the wider community.
This milestone came just days after Somerset Council rejected a controversial planning application that sought to convert the iconic theatre into residential flats and commercial shops. The decision followed strong opposition from residents and campaigners determined to preserve this cherished cultural landmark.
The rejected proposal aimed to transform the theatre into seven flats and one retail unit. However, council planners highlighted the “unjustified loss” of a vital community space and the potential detriment to the historic character of Shepton Mallet’s town centre as key reasons for refusal.
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The council’s report emphasized that the application failed to prove that continued community use was economically impractical or unviable. It stated: “The proposed development would result in significant harm due to the loss of a community facility, a key social infrastructure asset valued by the local community.”
In addition, the council pointed out that the design elements, including a large glazed vestibule extending beyond the building line, would cause “significant harm” to the heritage character of the Market Square and detract from the area’s visual appeal. This poor design response to the local context further contributed to the application’s dismissal.
While acknowledging some moderate benefits such as new housing and limited economic gain, the council concluded these did not outweigh the cumulative harms. The adverse impact on heritage and community sustainability weighed heavily in the refusal.
Martin Berkeley, leader of the grassroots campaign group ‘Let’s Buy the Amulet,’ expressed relief and joy at the outcome. “We are thrilled Somerset Council recognised the theatre’s immense value to our town’s cultural and social fabric,” he said.
The campaign is gaining momentum, with 113 local supporters collectively investing over £58,000 in a community share offer aimed at returning the Amulet to full public use. Recently, they secured up to £25,000 from Co-Operative Community Finance to enable people to purchase shares through instalments, extending the investment window until the end of October.
The recent performances of Noel Coward’s classic play Private Lives drew sold-out audiences to the theatre’s newly created 65-seat ground floor auditorium. This space, fully equipped with professional lighting, a control room, and a mini dressing room, promises to be a vibrant cultural hub.
Upcoming events, like the popular horror-comedy Highgate Vampire, have already sold out, reflecting strong community enthusiasm.
The Amulet Theatre itself is an architectural gem, designed in the bold brutalist style of the 1970s. Its innovative moving floor can shift seating between 270 for theatre productions and 400 for dance events, all set in the heart of Shepton Mallet.
Originally gifted to the town in 1975 by the Showering Family, known for their Babycham and cider heritage, the theatre served as a beloved arts and community venue for decades. However, since 2011, it has been in private hands and largely inaccessible.
Now, a coalition of residents and community organizations is working to restore the Amulet to its former glory, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Shepton Mallet’s cultural life for generations to come.
With widespread support from the national arts community and ongoing fundraising efforts, the future looks bright for this historic theatre, promising many more performances and community events ahead.