For nearly 50 years the Swan Theatre has operated in Yeovil producing Community Theatre to a professional standard. We need your help to improve our Front of House facilities and toilets to ensure they are fully accessible and fit for the next 50 years. We have already raised over 70% of the money we need but we would like your help to take the final step. Take a look at our website: www.swan-theatre.co.uk
Born from the original purchase of a near derelict pub in 1974 the theatre has grown and evolved to the point it is currently the only dedicated theatre venue in Yeovil - a town of over 40,000 inhabitants. Today it is a well equipped 131 seat theatre and is the home to the Swan Theatre Company and two other local companies - The Civic Players and Motiv8 Productions. It is also a cinema venue for Yeovil Cinematheque and NT live performances.
The theatre is entirely run by volunteers. In its 50 years it has never received any form of revenue funding - relying on the generosity of its patrons and the continued support of the local community. We are a community theatre at the heart of the community.
Each year there are ten live productions at the theatre. Recent shows by the Swan Theatre Company have included Amadeus:
"What a breath-taking evening that was! Simply the best production I have seen in a theatre - amateur or professional - for a long time. Powerful drama, brilliantly realised, and the two leads were phenomenal. " RB
"Once again, the Swan has proved that Yeovil and the surrounding area attracts a unique depth and breadth of performing arts talent, both on and off stage. Long may that continue." G P-W
Kindertransport:
"My husband and I went to see this brilliant and moving play last evening. I am Jewish and left unable to explain how I felt. I had no words. Congratulations to the cast (who must leave exhausted each night), the Director and Writer, not to mention all the support staff & volunteers." SC
"From the word go, with that stunning Kristallnacht projection on the proscenium gauze, we were in the realm of a professional-level production. And so it continued - the superb individual performances, the sonorous specially written music, the lighting, the sound effects, the whole production from start to finish. I was bowled over. The emotional impact was huge. I will most certainly remember it as one of the absolute best amateur theatre productions I have ever seen in 60-odd years of theatregoing." MC
The Haunting of Hill House:
"A brilliant play, brilliantly done. An excellent cast."
"The set was amazingly done and all the little additions, props pushed off shelves, red lighting, doors seemingly closing on their own, props and dark colours made for an amazing set design."
The Refurbishment Project
The original walls and construction of the old Swan pub have for 50 years restricted the layout and accessibility of the building. Currently the bar is inaccessible to wheelchair users. The Female toilets are cramped and in poor condition. Queues frequently develop often blocking access to the bar. The Male toilet is up a steep flight of stairs and is difficult to access for those with mobility issues.
Our plans are to carry out significant structural work on the old building to remove the physical barriers to good circulation. We will install new female, male and accessible toilets on the ground floor, open up the foyer and install a new bar area. The work will simplify evacuation routes from the building, especially for those with mobility issues. These works will transform the the theatre going experience for our patrons. Please take time to view the detailed plans at:
The cost of the work is £140,000 - we have already raised £100,000 of the money we need, but need your help to raise the remaining £40,000.
We would love your support and a donation of any size. If you are able to give a little more look at the rewards we have listed here, we would love to be able to celebrate your amazing support by giving you something in return.
Whatever you can give we are so grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!