An urgent crowdfunding appeal has been launched to secure the future of Bridport’s 250-year-old cultural landmark, The Lyric Theatre.
Already, the Under This Roof appeal has raised more than £66,500 towards £100,000 needed for vital repairs before irreversible damage destroys the roof of the Grade II listed building.
The Lyric’s roof has deteriorated badly over the years, with persistent water ingress taking its toll. Slates continue to slip, leaks are getting worse, and long-term water damage has already left part of the theatre’s listed ceiling in a poor state.
Stopgap fixes such as plastic sheeting have helped hold back the water, but they can no longer keep pace with the damage. Without urgent repair work, the theatre’s spaces, workshops and equipment all face further, unavoidable harm.
The Lyric has secured £170,000 from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundation Fund to transform the venue with improved accessibility, artist studios, workshop spaces, restoration work and better audience facilities.
Urgent restoration can be carried out – but this money can only be unlocked if the building is watertight.
Award-winning actress Olivia Colman described the Lyric as ‘a truly special place at the heart of Bridport’s creative community’ and warned that losing the venue would be ‘a terrible loss’ for future generations.
Spokesperson Rosie Russell said: “The roof repairs represent far more than building maintenance. This is about protecting a place where creativity happens every day.
“The Lyric is where young people discover their confidence, where artists create new work, where communities come together, and where nearly 250 years of history continues to inspire future generations. If we lose the roof, we risk losing so much more than a building.”
For nearly two-and-a-half centuries, the building has been woven into the fabric of Bridport life.
Since its construction in 1777, it has served many purposes, including a chapel, Temperance Hall, Drill Hall, cinema, dance school and now a thriving community theatre and creative arts hub.
Visit Crowdfunder to donate.
We reported in May that the Lyric had won the £170,000 Creative Foundation Fund.
At the time, Artistic Director Niki McCretton said: “We are thrilled and delighted to be one of only eight grants in the South West from this fund.
“This grant enables the first phase of an exciting programme of upgrades to this wonderful listed and beloved hub of creativity in Bridport.”
Save the Roof of the Lyric Theatre, Bridport
For almost 250 years, the building we now know as the Lyric Theatre has been at the heart of Bridport’s cultural life.
Built in 1777 as an Independent Chapel, it has grown and changed alongside the town ever since. Its Grade II listed status reflects its historic and architectural importance, from the original stonework and slate roof to its round-headed windows and distinctive façade.
Today, the Lyric serves as a community gathering space, rehearsal venue, workshop, creative studio, puppet-making space, and creative hub for young people.
It hosts performances, residencies, workshops and youth programmes, and works in collaboration with schools, local organisations and touring companies.
The theatre supports local artists and makers, young performers and emerging creatives, community workshops and events, and touring productions visiting Bridport.
It provides creative education and participatory theatre, along with puppet making and visual theatre production.
Over 60 mentors — industry professionals — give their time for free to support anyone wanting to learn, and the Lyric is also home to Stuff & Nonsense Theatre Company, a charity that creates shows with children as collaborators and tours nationally and internationally.
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