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.
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Arts and cultureRosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead “There must have been a moment, at the beginning, where we could have said — no. But somehow we missed it.” “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” offers a comedic twist on the world-famous tragedy “Hamlet.”
- The Picture of Dorian Gray
Arts and cultureThe Picture of Dorian Gray Join Dorian on a descent into debauchery. This Picture of Dorian Gray explores the ‘Wildest’ side of Dorian and the darker side of Wilde as we expose Mr. Gray’s sensational secret.
- Joseph Chester – Fragments of Lucia
Arts and cultureJoseph Chester – Fragments of Lucia People talk of my influence on my daughter, but what about her influence on me? – James Joyce, 1934.
- BUILDING
Arts and cultureBUILDING Building or the ordinary madness of the corporate world gone wrong. One day. Thirteen floors. Employees work to the untimely rhythm of birds crashing against the windows as their emotions fluctuate beyond their control.
- Motherhood
Arts and cultureMotherhood Some women are born to be mothers, some achieve motherhood, and some have motherhood thrust upon ‘em 1 Show, 3 Plays Endless ways to be a Mammy, or not…
- Irish Youth Dance Festival
Family funIrish Youth Dance Festival The Irish Youth Dance Festival (IYDF), produced by Dublin Youth Dance Company, offers a national platform to showcase young emerging dancers performing works of leading national and international choreographers.
- Hearthfire Tales Live
Hearthfire Tales Live Hearthfire Tales presents Dungeons and Dragons on the live stage at Smock Alley Theatre! Watch the adventure unfold before your eyes.
- Cosima
Arts and cultureCosima “Cosima Wagner had about as interesting a life as anyone who didn't found a religion or personally lead an invasion of a foreign empire.” – Philip Hensher, Telegraph (2010)
