The Lyric Theatre

Overall Info

The Lyric Theatre is a very special old building. Built as an Independent Chapel in 1746, it has been a Temperance Hall, the Liberal Hall and was the original Electric Palace Cinema. It was listed in 1950 and was used as the Bernard Gale School of Dancing for many years. Since Niki McCretton bought The Lyric in September 2010 it has been running as a theatre.

The beautiful, flock wall-papered auditorium complete with proscenium-arch stage, is a venue for artists (and the resident Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company) to create and present their work in.

The Lyric is interested in working with artists who create devised theatre and in puppetry, physical theatre, visual
performance, circus and innovative children's theatre. Since opening we have been able to provide research and development space for artists, premieres of new work, visiting international companies, showings of work in progress, mentoring and
rehearsal space. The Lyric is a completely unfunded organisation!
There is a vibrant artistic community in the town and The Lyric has built a reputation as a space that encourages and presents innovative and experimental work. Our audiences enjoy taking a risk on seeing something new and supporting work that is in the
process of being created. We have also built strong support for work for children, particularly using puppetry.

Upstairs is now an artist's studio and a space for creating puppets and costumes for productions. Holly Miller, resident puppet & prop maker, runs a very popular Puppet Club each term.