A guide to the theatres of the city Planning an evening out? Why not theatre? Planning a night out is difficult. Finding the right friends, picking the right spot, having the right prinks and the right outfit ... not to mention the sheer cost of the drinks! All this, and things could still fall apart when someone starts crying about spotting their awful ex. So why not use that money for an evening out instead, perhaps an experience that will leave you with a lighter feeling, or at least a more enriching one? Sure, a night at the theatre might still leave you in tears... but they’re so much sweeter. Unsure where to start? Well, here’s a guide to your city centre venues.
men working at the docks whose old lives are being washed away. We also mustn’t forget to mention the Abbey’s baby, the Peacock stage, located in the basement belly of the beast, is a lovely stage which welcomes more experimental work.
You probably know the obvious locations. Let’s start with the biggest around. The Bord Gáis Theatre, founded in 2010, located down at what has unaffectionately been dubbed the Silicon Docks, is the main destination for larger international shows and productions. They’re host to touring productions from the West End, operas, ballet and larger productions that need a space of that size, or just a big audience. This Christmas, for their big annual show, they’re bringing Mamma Mia! So get ready to ABBA down.
of other venues on this list, with choices largely driven by commercial interests (three months of Riverdance really shows their hand). They do however occasionally produce plays and original work, especially as part of theatre festivals, between their large tours and business driven shows; it’s worth keeping an eye out for them, amidst the large-budget fun.
Speaking of Ab-‘s, the Abbey Theatre is an always reliable spot for well-budgeted pieces. Our national theatre was founded in 1904 by W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory. Ever since the “Waking the Feminists” movement a few years back, the theatre seemed to be more committed than ever to bringing diverse Irish voices to Irish audiences. Yet, they’re still a bit behind in representing the changing face of our nation. The theatre has faced criticism in recent years for bringing in more international productions and works—Let The Right One In from 2017, and Come From Away last Christmas, 2018. They are on the journey, however, and in recent times they’ve shown more commitment to capturing authentic experiences of forgotten Irish people. Last Orders at the Dockside is a perfect example, telling tales of the
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The Gaiety was founded in 1871, which makes it the oldest continually operating theatre in the city. Dublin natives will probably remember attending the place in our youths for a panto or two. Operationally, it splits the difference between the Bord Gáis and the Abbey; being a home for both international tours and home-grown productions. They have a more rotational set of pieces than a lot
The Gate, that old stalwart of Cavendish Road, has been around since 1928 when it was founded by Edwards and MacLiomar. Generally seen as the centre for middle-upper class theatre, they’ve been undergoing a shake-up in identity the last few years under new director Selina Cartmell. Between the enormous financial success of immersive theatre piece The Great Gatsby, breakout hit The Snapper (scheduled all summer long this year) and a couple of less successful but exaggeratedly weird choices, the Gate has shown a willingness to experiment in their more traditional space, both pushing for commercial pieces and looking to more wilder choices. The manager still wears a tux and greets guests in person however; a bit of tradition never goes amiss. If you’re looking for another venue with a certain amount of class, but can’t make an evening show,
