The theatre has a capacity of 432 patrons over 3 tiers within the auditorium which is a traditional horse shoe shape. The stage is the smallest in Ireland and is framed with a Proscenium arch. A special Waterford Crystal chandelier, donated by the company in 1951 decorates the ceiling. In 2007 the theatre closed for extensive renovations and reopened to great acclaim in 2009.
The vestibule is a beautifully renovated Georgian room decorated with 3 Waterford Crystal chandeliers and houses the Waterford Municipal Art collection. The theatre now hosts civil ceremonies in the vestibule and the whole building is available for conferences.
The Theatre Royal aims to become the powerhouse for theatre arts in the south east and has been the traditional venue for local and national entertainment down the generations. It is has hosted the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera since its inception in 1958 and is the home stage for long established amateur societies.
The Theatre Royal is increasingly staging its own work and seeking to tour its own productions within the region with the assistance of Waterford City Council and The Arts Council. Theatre Royal Productions led by Director Ben Barnes brings acclaimed artists and creative teams from Ireland and overseas to work closely with local Waterford talent. The aim is to cultivate indigenous artistic expertise and knowledge whilst also producing world class theatre for the city and the region. Recent work included King Lear Review (2010) and Hamlet Review (2011 & 2012) and productions of Jim Nolan’s Sky Road (2007) Martin McDonagh's The Beauty Queen of Leenane (2010), Eugene O’Brien’s Eden (2011) and Shelagh Stephenson’s The Memory of Water (March 2012).
Theatre Royal is right in the heart of Waterford historic Viking Triangle, the building is directly across from Waterford Crystal and is situated alongside Bishops Palace and the Waterford Museum of Treasures on the mall.
- Scullion
Scullion Formed in the mid-1970’s, Scullion are revered and feted as one of Ireland’s most innovative, original, and brilliant live bands.
- Nathan Carter
Nathan Carter Following the phenomenal success of the iconic hit song ‘Wagon Wheel’ in 2012, Nathan became an established star in Ireland, outselling One Direction and Drake.
- CAT (the play)
CAT (the play) CAT (the play) returns to Theatre Royal with co-writer and original star Richard Kieswick in its original production for two performances only.
- The Songs of Eva Cassidy Performed by Niamh Strong
The Songs of Eva Cassidy Performed by Niamh Strong Think of a beautiful tapestry with many vibrant colours. This is the best way one can describe the stunning voice of Niamh strong. Blues, soul, jazz, you get the elements that best describe this amazing voice.
- Backstage with Ana Palindrome
Backstage with Ana Palindrome Backstage@TheRoyal presents Ana Palindrome with support act Stella and the Dreaming on Saturday 17 August 2024.
- Mary Coughlan - 40th Anniversary Tour
Mary Coughlan - 40th Anniversary Tour Mary Coughlan – one of Ireland’s greatest ever jazz and blues singers – is celebrating 40 years in music with an extensive tour throughout 2024.
- Unrehearsed Scenes from Shakespeare
Arts and cultureUnrehearsed Scenes from Shakespeare Shakespeare Squared are delighted to be working with Simon Purse, one of the UK’s experts on Shakespeare’s First Folio performance method.
- Crazy For You
Crazy For You From the team that brought you Nunsense, Guys and Dolls, ENCORE & Anything Goes comes another musical production like no other, Jack Cunningham Productions proudly presents Crazy For You, with four performances at Theatre Royal Waterford.