Project Gaumont aims to support the campaign to restore the Gaumont Theatre in Taunton Somerset. The theatre which has in the past hosted shows by stars such as the Beatles, is now used only as a bingo hall. Project Gaumont aims to restore the theatre to its former glory whilst still providing a venue for bingo and other community events.

In it’s heyday,  the auditorium of the Taunton Gaumont had 1,750 seats.  It is currently the home of Mecca Bingo and enjoys the patronage of approximately 2,000 people every week who play bingo there,  but there is room in the building for many activities in addition to bingo and that is the essence of the Project Gaumont proposals.

Many bingo clubs closed after the smoking ban was introduced,  and changes in tax regulations hit the clubs again.  We understand that Taunton Mecca Bingo is currently a profitable operation,  but it is not immune to new government regulations and taxes,  and additional entertainments in the Gaumont will share the cost of operating and maintaining the building.  Given the number of people who play bingo,  the game will be a core activity in the building,  and the Project Gaumont proposals will ensure the future of the game for the immediate future in Taunton.

Entertainment and facilities proposed by the Project Gaumont group include the following:

Bingo.  A new bingo club will be created in the building,  possibly in the former ballroom.  The windows of this room can be seen directly above the entrance doors,  and in its heyday the room had space for 200 dancers sitting at tables,  a dance floor and a dais for the band.  Project Gaumont believe that a brand new bingo club could be built in this room with space for up to 400 players.  The room could have all of the most modern facilities and comforts for playing the game and the bingo club would stay in its current location until this room was complete and ready for operation.

Youth club.  Work to create a Youth Club in the underground car park of the Gaumont could be carried out concurrently with the installation of the new bingo club.  There is at present no facility in Taunton for the 13 -19 age group and Somerset County Council have a budget to provide such a facility.  It is believed that the garage area is in the region of 400 sq metres and could be fitted out as a Sound Studio with recording facilities.  Depending on the roof height,  it might also be possible to locate a Television Recording Studio in this area.

Tier 1 theatre.  Local arts groups contributed to the cost of providing a fly tower,  a stage and dressing rooms when the Gaumont was built and many famous artists have performed on its stage.  When the bingo club has moved into its new area,  Project Gaumont would like to see the auditorium restored as a Tier 1 theatre.  That means that it would have a larger stage,  the dressing rooms would be renovated,  and approximately 1,400 seats would be installed.  A theatre of that size would attract productions to full West End standards and we could see English Nation Ballet,  Glyndebourne Opera,  Lloyd-Webber musicals and top international artists with the need to travel to Bristol,  Plymouth or even London.  There is no other theatre in Somerset which could compete with a Tier 1 theatre in Taunton.

Outside arena.  Project Gaumont envisage that a stage could be built onto the side of the Gaumont building facing the present Castle Public Car Park.  We believe that a light cover similar to the cover over railway platforms could be constructed over this area so that concerts could proceed regardless of the weather.   The capacity of this area could vary between 2,500 all seated with a circular stage on the front of the permanent stage ,  and 5,000 with some seated and some standing and dancing.  An arena with this capacity could attract major international stars to Taunton and there is no other venue in the west country which could compete with such an arena.

Bars and restaurants.  It is envisaged that a long bar with service from both sides could fit down the centre of the current foyer area with a coffee bar located at each end.  This bar would substantially serve people coming out from the auditorium during intervals.  A similar smaller bar would be located in the smaller foyer at the entrance to the gallery.

Arts and Crafts gallery.    Pictures and craftwork could be displayed on the walls of the foyer and in display cabinets.  It is envisaged that this could be a good selling area for local artists,  and the quality of the display area could be used for exhibitions of major works.

Casino.  It is envisaged that the roof over the main auditorium could be raised to make room for a new space with spectacular views in all directions.  This area could be used for a casino with a restaurant and bar or perhaps the bingo club could be rehoused here in which case the ballroom would become free for other activities.

Crèche.  There are numerous rooms in this building and one or more of these could be fitted out as a crèche.  This would be a very convenient location where parents could leave babies while they are doing their shopping in the centre of town.  It might also be possible to make provision for a Day Nursery in the same area of the building.

It is not known how many rooms there are in the building,  nor how many of these could be made available for other uses,  but there is a demand for Meeting Rooms for clubs,  a Projection Room for arts films,  a Rehearsal Area and a Theatre Workshop.