Friend of Lyric Theatre has provided £14,270 of match funding
Under this Roof! Lyric Theatre Urgent Repair
Bridport, Dorset, United Kingdom
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Aim
Urgent appeal to repair the historic Lyric Theatre's roof and prevent further damage - help us raise £100,000 to save it!
Save the Roof of the Lyric Theatre, Bridport
For nearly 250 years, the building now known as the Lyric Theatre has stood at the heart of Bridport’s cultural life.
First constructed in 1777 as an Independent Chapel, the building has evolved with the town over generations. It has been a chapel, a Temperance Hall, the Liberal Hall, a Drill Hall, a cinema, Bernard Gale's Dance School, and today a thriving community theatre and creative arts hub.
The building is Grade II listed for its historic and architectural significance, including its original stonework, slate roof, round-headed windows, and distinctive historic façade.
Now this beautiful building faces one of the biggest challenges in its history.
The Roof is Failing
The Lyric’s roof is in very poor condition after years of deterioration and water ingress. Slates are slipping, leaks are worsening, and part of the theatre's listed ceiling is already damaged due to long-term water damage.
Temporary measures like plastic sheeting have been used to try to keep the water out, but these are no longer enough. Without urgent repairs, further damage to the building, theatre spaces, workshops, and equipment is inevitable.
We urgently need to raise £100,000 to carry out essential roof repairs and safeguard the future of the Lyric.
A Vital Community Space
The Lyric is a community gathering space, rehearsal venue, workshop, creative studio, puppet-making space, creative space for young people, and home for artists and performers. It hosts performances, residencies, workshops, youth programmes, and collaborations with schools, local organisations, and touring companies.
The theatre supports:
- Local artists and makers
- Young performers and emerging creatives
- Community workshops and events
- Touring productions visiting Bridport
- Creative education and participatory theatre
- Puppet making and visual theatre production
- Has over 60 mentors - professionals from all aspects of the industry give their time for free to support anyone wanting to learn
- Is home to Stuff & Nonsense Theatre Company - a charity that creates show with children as collaborators that tour nationally and internationally https://aloadofstuffandnonsense.co.uk
"The Lyric is a truly special place at the heart of Bridport’s creative community. Spaces like this are so important - not only for artists and storytellers, but for the people who come together there to create and to connect. It would be a terrible loss if this beautiful theatre were not protected for future generations. I’m very happy to support their efforts to save and restore the Lyric."
Olivia Colman, OSCAR-winning actress
“Small towns thrive on having a hub where people of any age,who are looking to express themselves artistically, can find a space where that’s encouraged and inspired to flourish. The Lyric theatre really, really fits that bill. The Lyric theatre is a major contributor. We had a great time rehearsing The PJ Harvey Band at The Lyric.”Record Producer, Musician and Musical Director PJ Harvey Band (World Tour)
Building for the future
Thanks to an incredible £170,000 award from Arts Council England's Creative Futures Fund, major improvements to the building are already being planned.
These works include:
- Improved accessibility and accessible toilets
- Better front-of-house spaces
- Safer circulation throughout the building
- New artist studios and workshop areas
- A green room and accommodation for visiting creatives
- Heating and insulation improvements
- Restoration of historic features
- Better use of underused attic spaces for artists and makers
These improvements will help secure the Lyric’s future as a modern, inclusive cultural venue while respecting and preserving its historic character.
However, the Arts Council funding is dependent on the Lyric first securing the remaining £100,000 needed for urgent roof repairs.
Without a safe, watertight roof, the wider restoration project cannot move forward - making this fundraising campaign absolutely vital to unlocking the full investment in the building’s future.
Why we need your help NOW!
The roof repairs are the most urgent and critical part of the project.
The existing roof structure needs extensive conservation work, including:
- Removing and salvaging historic slates
- Replacing damaged leadwork and flashing
- Rebuilding failing roof valleys and drainage
- Installing proper insulation and breathable membranes
- Repairing decades of water damage
- Replacing failed extension roofs that continue to leak
Without intervention, the damage — and the costs — will continue to grow.
Reaching our £100,000 target will not only protect the building from further damage, but will also unlock the £170,000 Arts Council England investment that will help transform the Lyric for future generations.
Help protect Bridport’s Creative Future
The Lyric has survived for nearly 250 years because generations of people cared enough to keep it alive.
Now it’s our turn.
Every donation, share, and message of support helps protect this extraordinary building and the community that depends on it. Please help by donating but most importantly, by sharing this campaign with anyone you know. Get involved and be part of preserving this vital historic, community asset and everything that happens Under This Roof!
Whilst the Lyric is owned by Niki McCretton, it is managed and run (under a 30-year lease) by the Friends of the Lyric Theatre a Community Interest Company (not for profit) Company No: 08270018 and listed by Dorset Council as a Community Asset.
This crowdfunder campaign is being run by our Charitable Community Benefit Society Bridport Lyric Theatre Ltd (Company No: 9637) to raise funds to carry out these essential roof works and the proposed further works.
These two organisations have directors drawn from a wide range of disciplines and experience delivering the highest standards of expertise and governance. Future plans involve further physical works and The Lyric moving into community ownership.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 17th July 2026 at 9:31am