Since launching its appeal nine weeks ago, The Lyric has raised over £4,000 via a series of fundraising performances and from donations by supporters of the theatre and local people. A total of £8,000 is needed to meet new fire regulations to bring this 18th century building up to 21st century health and safety requirements and to enable the building to stay open to the public from January next year.
There has been a Tea Dance, a carnival entry, a sell-out Variety Show and a fun online campaign with a film made by local Colfox student Dominic Huxley, where people can easily donate even a small amount of money.
‘We have been overwhelmed by the support from everyone to help us raise these funds’ said campaign leader Tessa Bide. ‘It’s really made us feel that The Lyric is playing an important part in the community and we would like to thank every single person for their donations.’
Earlier this week the Lyric received a call from renowned folk band Heron who offered to play an impromptu gig at the Lyric to raise money towards the fund. With the spontaneity the Lyric is becoming know for, a date was set and is announced for Thursday 27th October at 8pm.
‘We played a gig here back in May to celebrate the official opening of the Lyric and we were so inspired by the warmth and attentiveness of the Bridport audience that we have decided to come back, perform at the Lyric and to record our new album ‘Joker Man’ in Bridport. The place is like a magnet to us’ says one of the band’s songwriters, G.T.Moore.
The new album is a tribute to Bob Dylan and the impromptu gig promises to be a real treat for anyone who enjoys electro-folk music and a chance for Heron fans to see them perform again with their original line-up.
All proceeds from night will go towards the fundraising campaign.
Tickets are available from Bridport Music, Fruits of the Earth, The Bookshop and The Lyric on 01308 423951 or email tickets@the-lyric.com
Booking is recommended. Doors and bar at 7.30pm.
To contribute to the Lyric’s fundraising online campaign please go to www.sponsume.com/projects/bridpots-lyric-theatre-needs-your-help
Or call the Lyric to contribute by cheque or cash tel: 01308 423951
