Couple who set up theatre 'overwhelmed' by its success

A couple who opened a 90-seat theatre in November say they have been "overwhelmed with happiness" at its popularity.

Neil Wilson and Cath Cooper said, so far, every show put on at Backyard Theatre in Watchet, Somerset, has sold out.

Performances at the theatre have included a one-man show called Frankenstein (on a Budget) and a folk musical called The Musicians of Bremen.

Ms Cooper said: "We really wanted there to be a theatre in Watchet. A town without a theatre is a strange thing really because most towns have some performance space. This is a dream come true."

The theatre had previously been a skittle alley, so already had a bar and toilets.

To complete its transformation, Mr Wilson renovated the space, with the help of volunteers, adding a full lighting rig and a backstage dressing room.

"We can put on our own shows and do what we want to," Mr Wilson said.

The couple already have business experience, having run Watchet's Radio Museum – which sits right next to the theatre.

Mr Wilson runs the technical side of the operation, while Ms Cooper finds the shows.

Ms Cooper said she had previously retired, only to find the theatre has now become a full-time job.

She praised the army of volunteers helping on show days.

"We're overwhelmed with happiness that this has become a success," she said.

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