Developing Somerset's flagship arts venue
Yeovil Town Council have shared an update on the, Burrell Foley Fischer designed, redevelopment plans for the Octagon Theatre that will see the current building transformed into a flagship venue for the arts and entertainment. This project will transform the theatre into a creative hub that will ensure residents across Yeovil and Somerset can enjoy amazing performances and opportunities to benefit from the creative arts and attract visitors from outside of Somerset to visit our beautiful county.
“The Octagon Theatre has played a hugely important role in the life of Yeovil Town for 50 years. Many of our residents have grown up with visits to the Octagon being an important part of their lives and at key milestones through their life from their first visit, trips with school and with family, performing with local groups, graduation and seeing their favourite performers come to the town. The Octagon brings people from the surrounding area into our town, providing an economic boost for our businesses and being a place that bring us together for great entertainment. The town is proud of our Octagon Theatre and it is vital for Yeovil.”
Cllr Andy Soughton, Leader of Yeovil Town Council
The Octagon Theatre will be developed, refurbished and renewed to secure the theatre for future generations. The auditorium will be refurbished with new seating, carpets and some adjustments to layout whilst maintaining excellent leg room, comfort, sightlines and intimacy.
Improvements to the stage house and backstage area will significantly improve the technical aspects of productions. Raising the roof will enable the theatre to fly cloths out and a backstage crossover will support the ambitions of their programme and talented local community groups.
A Participatory Studio which will become the new home for the popular Octagon Academy and be the perfect place for classes in dance, music, drama, theatre and creative art. A home for the venue’s popular choirs, dance and theatre groups, and arts and craft workshops.
The new entrance will create a better first impression and welcome to the theatre. A greatly improved Cafe Bar area will offer food and drink throughout the day for the public and patrons to enjoy and relax.
Improved front of house and customer facilities will include a large increase in toilet provision with toilets on each level, more accessible toilets, gender neutral toilets and a Changing Places facility for those with additional needs. Accessibility will be improved throughout the venue, both front of house and backstage with accessible toilets and showers backstage, and lift access throughout the venue.
Enhancements may go unnoticed but will ensure “the show must go on” making the necessary improvements to secure the future of the Octagon for future generations. This work will create a more sustainable venue, reduce its carbon footprint, and ensure staff and guest facilities are up to date and their enjoyment is uninterrupted.
“Our plans for the Octagon are to create a flagship centre for the creative arts that will provide amazing opportunities for our residents and bring world class artists to Somerset. The plans see the Octagon Theatre transformed into a centre of excellence that will spark economic regeneration for the area and so many opportunities for residents to improve their well-being. The development of the venue will mean less trips out of the county to access brilliant shows, activities and entertainment with superb events right on your doorstep and unleashing creativity across Somerset and beyond.”
Adam Burgan-Davies, Director of Culture, Events and Promotions for Yeovil Town Council, Arts and Entertainment Venues Manager for Somerset Council
“The Arts Council is pleased to support the Octagon’s redevelopment, a project sure to benefit the residents of Yeovil and communities across Somerset for many years to come. This ambitious capital project will provide audiences with a vibrant new space for entertainment and creativity, along with a tailored programme of family activities and talent opportunities. It’s great to see them already working with publicly funded organisations like Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to engage children and young people in local schools. Our 10-year strategy, Let’s Create, sets out a vision where everyone can access high-quality arts and culture, whatever their background. This investment is a real step towards making that vision a reality, and I’m excited to see the impact it will have.”
Phil Gibby, South West Area Director, Arts Council England