A place where stars battle with thunderstorms, Bridport’s Lyric Theatre tries to get watertight and safe for future generations
The Lyric Theatre, Bridport has survived for nearly 250 years because generations of people cared enough to keep it alive. Built as a Chapel, it has been a Temperance Hall, Liberal Hall, Bridport’s first cinema and the Bernard Gale School of Dancing. Since 2010 it has been a unique, artist-led resource providing a professional, working base for the community and artists to create performances at any stage of their career.
Its cultural offer provides a vital space for everyone to learn performing arts, bring ideas, experiment & stage their own work supported by professionals and complementing its professional programme.
The Lyric is a vital cultural hub, rehearsal venue, workshop, creative studio, puppet-making space, creative space for young people, home for artists and performers. It hosts performances, residencies, workshops, youth programmes, and collaborations with schools, local organisations, and touring companies.
However The Lyric’s historic roof is damaged after years of coastal weather and urgent repairs are needed to prevent further damage.
Thanks to an incredible £170,000 award from Arts Council England’s Creative Futures Fund, major improvements to the building are planned. But the Arts Council funding is dependent on The Lyric securing the remaining £100,000 needed for urgent roof repairs. Without a safe, watertight roof, the wider restoration project cannot move forward. They have launched a fundraiser which is absolutely vital to unlocking the full investment in the building’s future.
Please give generously and help save The Lyric for the future: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/under-this-roof-emergency
