Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Marc O'Sullivan Photography

Smock Alley Theatre reopening after 225 years

New theatre set to open today on site of original facility which opened in 1662.

A DUBLIN CITY theatre is set to reopen this evening after a 225-year break.

Smock Alley Theatre was founded in 1662 by John Ogilby as the first royal theatre in Dublin and staged the plays of George Farquhar, Olive Goldsmith and Richard Brinsley Sheridan during its early years.

It also staged performances by stage legends actors Peg Woffington and David Garrick.

The theatre closed in 1787, after which it served as a store, a church and a tourist attraction.

After a €3.5 million investment and years of research and fundraising, the new theatre is set to open on the same foundations at Smock Alley Theatre was originally based.

The walls are the same as those that housed that first incarnation of the theatre, but the new facility has a new green room, dressing rooms and 177 seats in the auditorium.

The site also houses Smock Alley Boy’s School, a 100-capacity space suited for staging experimental shows and productions. There is also the Banquet Hall with plasterwork and stained glass windows from the theatre’s time as a church. The hall can hold 350 and will be available for conferences and events.

The theatre will also be the new home of the Gaiety School of Acting.

More than 200 artefacts were discovered during excavation works in 2009 ahead of the site’s redevelopment, including wine bottles, clay pipe fragments, oyster shells and an actors’ wig curler.

The inaugural production at the renovated and refurbished Smock Alley Theatre will be Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer, which was first performed there in 1773. The production will be performed by the recently-reformed Smock Alley Players – a company originally established in 1662.

The show will run until 2 June and tickets cost €10/€15. Show times and ticketing information can be found on the Smock Alley Theatre website.

Smock Alley Players, from left to right:  Genevieve Hulme Beamen, Simon Stewart, Emily Elphinstone, Muris Crowley and Kate Kennedy. (Image: Marc O’Sullivan Photography)

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
10 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mcbab
    Favourite mcbab
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 7:44 AM

    This is great news. Didn’t know this was in the pipeline. Thanks to journal for this news will be a great venue.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Finnegan
    Favourite Barry Finnegan
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 8:21 AM

    fantastic news cant understand why this hasnt had more publicity

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Irelands Owen
    Favourite Irelands Owen
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 8:28 AM

    I was at a play in Smock Alley not too long ago. Doesn’t feel like 225 years. Doesn’t time fly!

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew McLellan
    Favourite Andrew McLellan
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 8:46 AM

    I gather this is the Official Opening. Pan Pan played their brilliant version of Ibsen’s Doll House there last month. Great to have another city centre venue. Wishing them well.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute niamhsmith
    Favourite niamhsmith
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 8:14 AM

    They are also running guided tours free of charge in the evenings at 6.30pm. Maybe check their Facebook page for exact days and the number to call and book a space :)

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Julian King
    Favourite Julian King
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 8:03 AM

    Moustache & Make-up freaks me out!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Meredith
    Favourite David Meredith
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 9:23 AM

    Congratulations to all involved in this. Sounds exciting. Looking forward to visiting.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gingerman
    Favourite gingerman
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 7:49 AM

    Where is it?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute niamhsmith
    Favourite niamhsmith
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 8:12 AM

    It’s right on the quays at the bus stop with the Viking ship

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gingerman
    Favourite gingerman
    Report
    May 17th 2012, 8:44 AM

    Oh phew it’s on the southside. Only just mon

    6
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds