Smock Alley Theatre, 1662 was the first custom built theatre in Dublin City and still remains in substantially the same form, making it one of the most important sites in European theatre history.
Smock Alley Theatre, 1662 was the first theatre outside London to receive the title of Theatre Royal, but, because it had been built on land reclaimed from the Liffey, the building was unstable and the gallery collapsed twice. It was rebuilt in 1735.
The theatre closed in 1787. The building was then used as a whiskey store until Father Michael Blake bought it to set up a church. When the bell tolled in 1811, 18 years before the Catholic Emancipation, the first Catholic bell to ring in Dublin in nearly 300 years was heard. The façade boasts ornate stained glass windows and the original ceiling plasterwork remain in the Smock Alley as a witness of this time.
After a six year renovation, Smock Alley Theatre, 1662 reopened its doors as Dublin’s oldest newest theatre in May 2012. With three gorgeous venues, Smock Alley is the perfect place to spend a cultural evening out. They partner with many arts and cultural festivals to welcome audiences, engage with artists and create exciting cultural events. From Dublin Theatre Festival to First Fortnight and from IMRAM to the Irish literature Festival these partnerships are a vital part of their annual programme.
- A Safe Passage
Arts and cultureA Safe Passage A Safe Passage presented by Blood in the Alley Productions. “You’re safe here. But you have to trust me now. For your own good. I need you to stay. Because if you go, I go and I’d rather not.”
- Castle Gillian
Family funCastle Gillian Castle Gillian An Irish Tale – The Musical, tells the story of Gill Morris, a young Irishman profoundly damaged by his experiences in the Second World War who must regain his faith in love, and the world, in order to save his ancestral home.
- The Devil and Durex
Arts and cultureThe Devil and Durex “If you’re looking for your orgasms Margaret they’ll be out rusting in the field” THE DEVIL AND DUREX is a hilarious look at the 1970’s sexual revolution in a small Irish parish written by Fair Dinkum! Theatre’s award winning playwright Nick Makin.
- Amid The Clouds
Arts and cultureAmid The Clouds Pop Up Theatre in Association with Directions Out Theatre Company present Amid The Clouds “How far would you go to protect your family?”
- Stuck in the Middle with You
AutumnStuck in the Middle with You 2012. English writer Paula Davey receives an award from her fellow journalists for her ‘true life’ book, ‘Stuck in the Middle with You: An RUC Story’.
- The Good Crank
Arts and cultureThe Good Crank Sight Nor Sound Theatre present The Good Crank. Kitty Clog is determined not to go quietly into that good night.
- Prisoners of the Occupation
Arts and culturePrisoners of the Occupation Presented by Comhlámh Justice for Palestine. A powerful testament to resilience under the occupation.
- Strong Wind
Arts and cultureStrong Wind Scena Theatre is Washington DC’s premiere international theatre. For 37 years Scena Theatre has brought the best in international plays to DC and stimulated cultural exchange between local and global artists.
