A BRIDPORT venue is hosting a live performance for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

The Lyric Theatre is welcoming audiences back for its first public performance since March 2020.

A special one-off concert, featuring performances from Magdalena and the Mystical Birds, will take place on Saturday, September 25

The Mystical Birds came together as a new band in late 2019. Writing original songs that range from light jazz to chanson and folk/blues to festival chants, they had planned to launch play their first live show on March 21 2020. However, as the coronavirus pandemic intensified and the first lockdown came into force, the band decided instead to play to an empty theatre. They videoed and recorded their first Lyric Theatre performance.

Niki McCretton, owner and artistic director of the Lyric Theatre, said: "As everyone knows, the arts and culture industry had to shut for a long time and is by no means back on its feet.

"We will be presenting some live shows at the Lyric over the next six months, but because of the industry being still so fragile, we will be treading lightly to present what we feel reflects this slower emerging. The Lyric has always been led by artists creating for audiences, rather than putting on shows simply to entertain – for us it must be a two-way street. Without the creative artists, we have no industry.

"When we do have an event on, please do support us and those that are onstage performing by buying a ticket. We run on a shoestring, with volunteers at our heart with only very limited team members working on keeping it all going is hard. Hard but we are still here and intend to grow."

Polish born singer-songwriter Magdalena Atkinson had recorded two albums with Steve Jones (formerly of folk band Heron and 11-year member of Mungo Jerry) when they decided to create a band to record a third album. They enlisted the help of bass player Drew Crow Star and samba percussionist Darren Coleman and the Mystical Birds were born.

To add to the special nature of the evening they will also be launching their new album Lyric Lockdown Live. They will be joined by a well-known local performer, dancer and painter, Marina Renee-Cemmick. She will be painting a large backdrop in her own unique style during the performance.

Doors will open at 7pm for an 8pm start.

There are limited tickets available, which can be purchased from the Bridport Tourist Information Centre on 01308 424901 or at www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk.

Live streaming will also be available at www.magdalenaatkinson.co.uk/event-details.