MUSICIANS are playing together for the first time in 30 years to celebrate the reopening of a Bridport theatre. Folk band Heron are reforming in their original line up for the first time in 30 years for the event at The Lyric on Saturday, May 21.

New co-owners of Lyric Marc Parrett and Niki McCretton have revived the 18th-century theatre after it was left empty for eight years.

They say that they can’t wait for the Barrack Street building to be open to the public again.

They will use it as a base for their puppet-based children’s theatre company, Stuff and Nonsense, as well as an artist-led rehearsal space and venue.

Niki said: “The building needed, and still needs, a lot of love, time and money spent on it.

“But we’re so happy to have it up and running for the local community and to be working with Heron, who we’re huge fans of.

“This is the first of many exciting events we’re planning at The Lyric during the coming months.”

The Lyric was originally built as a chapel in the 1700s, and was later turned into a theatre and dance school.

Heron will promote the release of their new album at the official re-opening.

The band were due to head off on a Japanese tour but this was cancelled due to the tsunami.

The event, which starts at 7.30pm, features an intimate ‘at home’ evening with a chance to meet the original band and hear new tracks from the album.

Keyboard player Steve Jones, who is based in Bridport, said: “We are quietly excited after all these years and thrilled to launch the album in such an exciting venue.”

Heron’s new album, Simple as One Two Three, is to be released in Japan and advanced copies will be on sale during the event.

Heron will be supported by duo Portico at the gig.

Tickets are £10 from Bridport Music and The Bookshop in South Street, and Fruits of The Earth in Victoria Grove.

The doors open at 7.30pm.

Email heron@relaxx.co.uk