A Bridport-based theatre company has been awarded £94,000 to help face the challenges of the coronavirus and ensure it has a sustainable future.

Stuff and Nonsense joins Bridport Museum in receiving a share of the Government's £1.57mbillion Culture Recovery Fund.

Stuff and Nonsense is a long-standing, national touring company which creates large theatre productions for families to enjoy together, and also works with young people in schools across the south west.

The company is based at The Lyric Theatre in Barrack Street as a company in residence and creates its work in the building to then tour to larger theatres such as Theatre Royal Plymouth.

The lockdown meant that all the company's touring was suddenly cancelled. This grant enables the company to get back on its feet to prepare shows to be seen at Christmas in different parts of the country and to put on socially distanced performances of its acclaimed adaptation of The Gingerbread Man at Lighthouse Poole during October half-term.

There is much-needed money to cover essential overheads, such as rent, storage and insurances plus support the many freelance artists that the company work with over the next six months to give them jobs and stability.

Jane McGibbon, producer for Stuff and Nonsense, said: "We are pleased that the money received will contribute also to The Lyric Theatre's overheads, enabling The Lyric to continue the excellent work it does to support the many other artists who use The Lyric as a creation space and to enable events and projects to happen in Bridport."

The money will help the company be ready to tour after Christmas and re-configure how to create theatre during this difficult time where so many venues remain closed.

The company can continue its work in schools, particularly working with pupils with special education needs and to deliver an online programme of learning and continue the work it has become so well-known for over the past decade.

Nikki McCretton, owner and artistic director of The Lyric, said: "I would like to thank the many people who helped us to apply for this grant. It is a lifeline and huge relief to know that Stuff and Nonsense and The Lyric Theatre can continue to plan, create work for artists and find ways to bring theatre and art to our communities during this challenging next six months into the years ahead."