After several years lying empty, and intense speculation about its future, Bridport’s old Lyric Theatre on Barrack Street finally has proud new owners in the shape of local theatre company, Stuff and Nonsense.
“We’re delighted that we’ve managed to buy this historic and much-loved building and that we can now start trying to put it back together,” says co-director Niki McCretton.
“We love the spirit of the place. It is such a special venue and a really important part of Bridport’s history and culture,” adds fellow director Marc Parrett.
The pair had been looking for somewhere local to make and rehearse their unique brand of puppet shows for some time. Although Marc had a studio at St Michael’s Trading Estate, it was becoming increasingly cramped – not surprising when you consider that his puppets include an enormous turnip and an eight foot bear!
Niki and Marc also harboured a dream to find a space where other artists, performers and the public (especially children) could have the chance to make and experience shows of their own. They became increasingly excited about the possibilities the Lyric could offer and, on the back of their commercially successful touring shows, managed to persuade Lloyds Bank to lend them the money they needed to put in an offer.
So what are they planning to do?
“We think the Lyric could have a unique place in the town and could complement the work at the Arts Centre and the Electric Palace,” says Niki. “Our aim is not to be a venue in the traditional sense but more a flexible place which is full of surprises. We love the flock wallpaper and the feeling that anything could happen here.”
The idea is more of an artist’s-led space where people can make and present work.
“We know there is the demand from creative people to have somewhere like the Lyric to create and show their work, which could be anything from the best of new puppetry to physical comedy to new dance pieces. We would also like to put on shows for families in the summer and to offer puppet workshops with a twist,” says Marc.
A huge amount of work is ahead of them but Niki and Marc, together with a small team of volunteers, are passionate about bringing this building back into the heart of Bridport life.
The roof has been patched up, security improved, beautiful old windows revealed and broken floorboards mended. Marc’s now been able to move his puppetry workshop to the more spacious surroundings of the old dance studio. Stuff and Nonsense finally has its own dedicated office space but there’s a way to go yet and a substantial fundraising campaign will be needed to help secure the building’s long-term future.
Niki and Marc are planning to throw open the doors to the public in the near future so that people can come and see the Lyric in its present state. The team will then continue its planning, restoration and fundraising efforts with a view to officially opening in the New Year.
