Local businesses and performers are coming together to present a glittering benefit night for Bridport’s Lyric Theatre this Saturday 12th November.
The evening will be choc-full of exciting and uplifting, fun-filled features. The first half will feature a showcase of local dancers, musicians, comedians, film-makers, variety acts and puppetry, with canapes and cocktails being served to guests at their tables.
The second half brings an auction of promises, led by master auctioneer Jim Rowe, where guests can bid for an array of goods and services generously donated by a wide range of individuals and businesses including The Bull Hotel, The Olive Tree and Medusa. Promises include a holiday cottage weekend retreat, a photo-shoot in your family home and a case of wine and dinner for two. The night will also see the launch of a souvenir calendar bringing together the best from the thriving local performing arts scene.
“I’m overwhelmed by the support we’ve had by local businesses and creative people to bring this benefit night together,” says Lyric co-owner Niki McCretton. “It really will be a celebration of the talent we have on our doorstep and it makes us so proud to be part of this amazing town!”
Since opening six months ago, the team at Bridport’s Lyric Theatre has worked hard to present a diverse mix of events (including music gigs, a family-friendly cabaret, puppet theatre and a Tea Dance) to help fundraise for essential repairs to be made to the building.
“We bought the building to save it from being developed and lost to the public forever,” says co-owner Niki McCretton. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far but the building does need love and ongoing care and attention. It’s not easy to bring a grade II listed building from 1746 in line with 21st century EU fire regulations but, with a bit of help, we will get the work done and keep this wonderful place going. We’re trying to raise the final portion of money that we need and hope this night will help us achieve that. Any money raised over our target will be put towards working with My Pockets ltd to create a film project working in collaboration with local young people.
PLUS Come and get the party started early!
From 6pm, the end of Barrack Street around the Lyric will be closed to traffic, with film projected onto the outside of the theatre, live music and the best of hot local street food from Real Food Bus and Gastronymous.
Real Food Bus is run by a local group of organic smallholders and cooks. They are already making a name for themselves by preparing restaurant-standard food using ingredients they have grown and reared themselves.
Pop-up cook, Gastronymous (aka Radhika Mohendas) will be selling hot chai tea and tasty wraps with a twist:
“What I offer is something a little bit different,” she says. “I combine strong South East Asian and South Indian flavours with subtle western ones, with the emphasis on being delicious and quite healthy.”
Saturday 12 November
Food and entertainment outside from 6pm
Ticketed event inside from 7.30pm (Ticket price includes cocktails and canapés, waitress service and cabaret) £50 per ticket to raise essential funds. Discount for tables of 6 booked together.
At The Lyric Theatre, Barrack Street
For tickets please call 01308 423951 or email tickets@ the-lyric.com
For information on the Lyric go to www.the-lyric.com and for My Pockets Ltd www.mypockets.co.uk
