Shepton Mallet's Amulet Theatre has moved a step closer to returning to its roots as a live performance venue, thanks to a cash boost from the Theatres Trust.

The former cinema and theatre, once gifted to the town by the Babycham brewing family, has been awarded £6,000 to help fund crucial compliance and planning work as part of its restoration project.

The funding comes from the Theatres Trust's Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme, which supports historic venues at risk across the UK. The Amulet is one of 10 theatres to share in a £74,835 funding pot, aimed at helping buildings like Shepton's former theatre get back on their feet.

The Amulet Theatre has spent recent years operating as a gym under private ownership. But the hope now is that it could once again host performances, events and community activities.

The funding will help cover essential groundwork, including fire risk assessments, emergency exit plans, and building control specifications — steps that would allow temporary community events to take place while a full restoration plan is developed.

Joshua McTaggart, chief executive of Theatres Trust, said: "All the theatres on our Theatres at Risk Register are special buildings that have real potential to bring joy and opportunities to their communities.

"We are thrilled to support 10 of these fantastic theatres with essential strategic projects that will lay the foundations for their revival. We look forward to supporting them through this journey and seeing the progress they make."

The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, and the Swire Charitable Trust back the project.

Stuart McLeod, director England – London & South at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Theatres are integral to our communities but have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, with many at risk. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, they will have a chance to adapt and change for a thriving future, with the legacy of this project felt for many years to come."

The Amulet Centre Limited, the local group leading efforts to restore the building, now hopes the funding will build momentum — and help return one of Shepton Mallet's most distinctive buildings back into community use.

Sue Bowers, director of the Pilgrim Trust, added: "We are delighted that this funding partnership continues to provide encouragement and support for these important theatrical buildings at the heart of their communities, helping to chart their way forward to sustainable futures."