THE Brewhouse Theatre closed one year ago but a community group bringing the building back to life say it will be re-open in six weeks.

Taunton Theatre Association is now the official tenant of the venue after talks with Taunton Deane Council to restore the venue.

The majority of structural work has been completed and contractors will now test the sound and lighting equipment before its opening for the Taunton Scout and Guide Gang Show on April 8-12.

Chair Val Hammond said: “It’s time to bring the theatre back into life and we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get on with the job.

“The council has more or less finished their work and then it’s up to us.”

The not-for-profit organisation was set up after the sudden closure of the Brewhouse, which rocked the county town.

In October, Taunton Deane Council agreed to purchase the 61- year lease of the theatre building after reaching agreement with administrators BDO, who were appointed to deal with the theatre’s debts.

Cllr Norman Cavill, who looks after the economic development and arts scene, told the County Gazette in December that the re-opening of the Brewhouse Theatre was a huge step forward for Taunton’s economy.

Mrs Hammond said the group’s next step is to rebuild a list of contacts and she hopes people and businesses will sign up for information, to offer help or to donate funds via their website.

Taunton Deane Council have given the group an initial start-up grant of £46,000 under a short-term funding agreement while a longer term arrangement is discussed.

The Gang Show is one of two performances set to kickstart the venue’s revival as the Young Musical Theatre Company’s production of High School Musical is planned for April 16-19.

Tickets for The Gang Show are on sale from the Taunton Tourist Information Office and the Young Musical Theatre Company’s performance tickets can be booked through www.ymtcgroup.com.