£23m plans revealed for The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil

On January 7, South Somerset District Council (SSDC) agreed in principle to proceed with plans to transform The Octagon Theatre.

And now they have revealed the plans for the new "creative hub".

Artist's impression of the new auditorium. Pic: SSDC

It is hoped the new development will include:

• Increased seating capacity in the auditorium for up to 900 people, with a flexible orchestra pit and a fly tower and full flying facilities, as well as improved acoustics and sound lobbies
• An extension at the front of the building, with two additional theatres (one to seat 124 people, one to seat 64 people)

Plans for the ground floor. Pic: SSDC

• Two new community studios

Plan for the second floor. Pic: SSDC

• A cafe/bar on the first floor, with formal dining restaurant on the second floor
• Plans for the first floor. Pic: SSDC
• Accessible toilets on all floors
• An enhanced theatre programme
• And a range of community projects including Arts on Prescription, Active Communities, Children and Young People's Programme as well as Arts and Dementia.

Additional theatres in the front extension. Pic: SSDC

The plans state the two additional theatres will have screens and so will be able to showcase live events (i.e. National Theatre Live) as well as films.

Danny Norris, technical manager at the theatre, is excited about the potential development.

"I have worked at The Octagon since 1987 so it really is my second home," he said.

"I have so many fantastic memories of the shows we have presented here over the years and I am very excited to be part of the next chapter for the theatre.

"The plans for the theatre are amazing and would open up so many possibilities for what we can do."

The plan for the two studios is to have one dance studio with a sprung dance floor, mirrors, sound equipment and more.

Whereas the other studio is set to become a space for additional classes and rehearsals.

Artist's impression for the new auditorium. Pic: SSDC

“The team at the Octagon have been working behind the scene on these exciting proposals for some time and we are delighted to share with you a glimpse of our hopes and aspirations of how we might develop the theatre so that it continues to be a source of joy, inspiration and entertainment for generations to come," said Adam Burgan, arts and entertainment venues manager at SSDC.

"In what has been a pretty dreadful year for everyone these proposals promise an exciting future for theatre and creativity that would provide a huge boost for our local economy, support the health and well-being of our residents, celebrate and nurture local talent and bring people together to enjoy live entertainment.”

At the moment the £23m project is approved in principle, and will need sign-off from councillors at other stages in the process - business plans, finance plans, and planning permission.

SSDC believe planning and construction could take up to three years.