Theatre Director:
Mary Boland
Phone:
+353 (0)51 853626 ext 4
Email:
theatredirector@theatreroyal.ie
Finance Manager:
Nicola O Neill
Phone:
+353 (0)51 853626 ext 25
Email:
accounts@theatreroyal.ie
Technical Manager:
Dermot Quinn
Phone:
+353 (0)51 874402 ext 4
Email:
dermotquinn@theatreroyal.ie
Administration Office:
Nicola McGrath
Phone:
+353 (0)51 853626 ext 1
Email:
tickets@theatreroyal.ie
Marketing & Communications Manager:
Michelle Clancy
Phone:
+353 (0)51 853626 ext 13
Email:
michelleclancy@theatreroyal.ie
Box Office Manager:
Deirdre Jordan
Phone:
+353 (0)51 874402 ext 1
Email:
deirdrejordan@theatreroyal.ie
Box Office Team:
Pat Phelan, Ryan Fahy, & Nicola McGrath
Phone:
+353 (0)51 874402 ext 1
Email:
boxoffice@theatreroyal.ie
Front of House Supervisor:
John Fitzpatrick
Phone:
+353 (0)51 853626 ext 4
Email:
frontofhouse@theatreroyal.ie
About Us
Our Staff
Theatre Royal is managed by an experienced team all dedicated to customer and production service excellence.
Please use email when contacting relevant team member.
Greening the Theatre Royal
Theatre Royal Waterford is now actively working to reduce its impact on the environment, in collaboration with our partners below.
The theatre’s ‘Green Team’ of dedicated staff members have embarked on a series of energy efficiency and climate adaptation changes throughout the building, focused on the circular economy, waste management, urban biodiversity, and renewable energy technologies.
Technical Specifications
General Loose Equipment
Orchestra Pit
11 x. Music Stand10 x. Music Stand Light
1 x. Conductor Music Stand
Stage
10 x. 1-2 Metre Stage Brace6 x. 1-3 Metre Stage Brace
10 x. Swivel Coupler
5 x Boom stands 2- 3 metre
11 x short Boom arm
7 x. Medium Boom arm
Equipment
2 x. (approx) 13 amp 4 Gang Plug Board (10 metre)7 x. (approx) 13 amp 4 Gang Plug Board ( 3 metre)
10 x. (approx) 13A IEC
Various leads and adaptors - ring tech manager for details
Ladders
1 x 4.1M Zarges Combination Ladder1 x 8.35M, 2 Part, Extension Ladder
2 x Step Ladder
Various rigging, conduit, and fixings - ring tech manager for details
Backstage Accommodation
Green Room
Access: DSL CornerIt is possible to use the Green Room as a Dressing Room. However, advanced notice must be given to the Technical Manager.
Dressing Rooms
2nd Floor:
1 large (accommodates 8 – 10) & 2 medium (accommodates 4 -5 each)1 Laundry room
3rd Floor:
1 large (accommodates 8 – 10) & 2 medium (accommodates 4-5 each)Access: DSR wing
Power Supplies
Stage
1 x 5 Pin Cee F - 63A TPN General Purpose, located in Scene Dock1 x 3 Pin Cee F - 32A SPN (Clean Earth), located in Scene Dock
SR
1 x 3 Pin Cee F - 32A SPN (Clean Earth)2 x 5 Pin Cee F - 32A TPN General Purpose
1 x 5 Pin Cee F - 63A TPN General Purpose
SL
1 x 5Pin Cee F - 32A TPN General Purpose
General Purpose
13A Twin Gang, to all areasClean Earth Supply
13A Twin Gang, to all areasComms
Show Relay
Show Relay to: Green Room, Dressing Rooms and Box Office, via over stage Microphone and Dual 100v Line SpeakersPaging
Stage Manager's Paging to all Backstage Areas from stage managers deskTalkback
Talkback Inputs wired to all areas of Stage, Fly Gallery, Control Room, Orchestra Pit, etc. ASL Pro Dual Channel Base Station (located in Comms Rack)5 x Single Channel Belt Pack
5 x Single Muff Headset
System Management
2 x Allen & Heath IDR & HubStage CCTV
CCTV Monitor Inputs wired to Stage, Dressing Room, Orchestra Pit, Green Room, Foyer, Box Office, and Dress Circle1 x Colour Camera, complete with IR Gun located in the Upper Circle
5 x CCTV Monitor
Stage Managers Desk
Loom Input DSL and DSRPA System - Part 1
Mixing Desk
Yamaha LS9 32 Digital Mixing ConsoleSoundcraft impact
Amplifiers
1 x Nexo NX 4x4 Power Amp (use for front of house system)1 x Nexo NX 4x1 Power Amp (use for front of house system)
1 x Nexo NX 4x1 Power Amp (use for on stage or spare)
FOH Speakers
2 x Nexo Ps15 Full Range Cabinet4 x Nexo Ps10 Full Range Cabinet
2 x Nexo Ls600 Sub Bass
Loose Speakers/Monitors
4 x Nexo Ps10 Full Range Cabinet2 x db flexsysfm12s active monitors
1 x Behringer euro live b215D
Stage Mic/Line
DSR: 24 x Sends, 8 x ReturnsDSL: 12 x Sends, 4 x Returns
USR: 6 x Sends
USL: 6 x Sends
Orchestra Pit [right]: 11 x Sends, 4 x Returns
Orchestra Pit [left]: 12 x Sends, 2 x Returns
Fly Gallery: All above wired to Control Mic/Line Patch
Speaker Outlets
40 x No. NL-4 Speaker Outlets, available throughout stage and orchestra pit, via patch @ Amp RackPlayback
Hard Drive PC1 x Denon DN-C110 CD Player
PA System - Part 2
Microphones / D.I.
8 x Shure SM58 Mic1 x Shure Beata 58a mic
4 x Audix I5 mics
1 x Drum Kit Mic Set AKG Session 1
3 x Sennheiser e604
9 x Black Boom Stands Tall
5 x Black Booms Stands Short
3 x Black Straight Stands
1 x Black Table Stand
1 x Sennhiser G3 500 series 935 Handheld Radio Mic
1 x Sennhiser G3 500 series 945 Handheld Radio Mic
6 x Sennhiser G3 300 series bell packs and 8 x Sennhiser HSP Essential headset mics
6 x Sennhiser MKE 2 - eW lapels
5 x BSS AAR133 DI Box
2 x Behringer Ultra-Di Di-100
40 x XLR and other relevant leads
Contact Technical Manager for details
Cable
Contact Technical Manager for detailsMix Position
Control Room (Centre Rear Auditorium Stalls)Please note: Mix position is strictly in Control Room Only
House Lighting
Control
ETC Unison Architectural ControlVarious outstations located around stage, backstage, control and box office
System also controls all Blue/White Work Light
Fittings
Dali PLLED Down Lighters
Chandelier
Zones
All levels and groups of seating areas are wired in separate zones/circuits, for separate control.Production Lighting - Part 1
Dimmers
124 x Strand Wallmount 2.5kwCircuits
Onstage:
5 x 12-way, 16amp, Internally Wired Bars
3 x16amp DSL, DSR, USL, USR
FOH:
Upper Circle: 32 x 16amp, in Semi Circular, Internally Wired Bar
4 x 16amp, Non dimmable positions
Dress Circle: 16 x 16amp, SL and SR, Internally Wired Bar
4 x 16amp, Non dimmable positions
Control
1 x ETC ION XE and 20x20 Fader Wing
1 x Strand Palette VL 6400 500 Console(back up)
DMX / Ethernet distributed to all areas, via Control Network, DMX Merge and Splitter & Patch on SL Gallery
3 x16amp DSL, DSR, USL, USR
FOH:
Upper Circle: 32 x 16amp, in Semi Circular, Internally Wired Bar4 x 16amp, Non dimmable positions
Dress Circle: 16 x 16amp, SL and SR, Internally Wired Bar
4 x 16amp, Non dimmable positions
Control
1 x ETC ION XE and 20x20 Fader Wing1 x Strand Palette VL 6400 500 Console(back up)
DMX / Ethernet distributed to all areas, via Control Network, DMX Merge and Splitter & Patch on SL Gallery
Production Lighting - Part 2
Lanterns
8 x ETC Source 4 PAR EA Lantern10 x CP PAR Lantern, complete with, CP62
5 x Thomas Par 16 Birdies
8 x Iris 1 Flood Lantern
17 x Selecon Rama, 1200 watt, ACCF Fresnel Lantern
5 x Selecon Rama, 1200 watt, PC Fresnel Lantern
6 x Source 4 Zoom 15/30 Lantern (extra 2 in fixed position)
5 x Source 4 Zoom 25/50 Lantern
8 x Source 4 Zoom 14 Degree lantern
2 x R.J. Ginger, 2000 watt Follow Spot
6 x RGB, ProLights studio cob wash
1 x Unique Hazer (fluid not supplied)
Accessories for Profile Lanterns include, 4 x Iris' and a selection of Gobos and holders
Please note: Theatre Royal does not supply color
Projector Screen 4mx3m see fly floor plan downloads for position
Projector Sony VPL-FH66 - 6000 lumens
Some additional LED fixtures in fixed position. Contact Tech Manager for further details
Cable
Various, DMX, 16 amp extension, Soacapex, splitter, Trelco blocks, & jump cables, etc are available, Contact Technical Coordinator for details.Drapes and Masking
House Tabs
Permanent House Velvet on 1 Motor Set, with Veriable speed control at DSRPermanent Velvet House Border
BWS Drapes
1 x Black Wool Serge (Fixed for upstage position)Width: 6,200mm (approx.)
Drop: 6,500mm (approx.)
BWS Borders
3 x Black Wool Serge, Masking BordersWidth: 6,200mm (approx.)
Drop: 2,500mm (approx.)
BWS Masking Flats
4 x Free standing/movable Stretched black wool surge & off stage returns 5 m x 1.2m2 x Free standing /movable Stretched black wool surge with , No Return , 4m x 1.2m
Drop: 6,500mm (approx.)
Cyclorama
1 No. Filled Cloth CycloramaWidth: 6,200mm (approx.)
Drop: 6,500mm (approx.)
Stretched on Aluminum Frame
Gauze
Black sharks tooth gauzeWidth 6,200mm
Drop 6,500mm
Masking Flat
2 x 14ft x 3.5ft Masking Flats2 x 6ft x 3ft masking flats
Flying and Rigging
Motorised Sets
6 x Hauling Bar (1 for House Velvets)Travel Speed: 3 Second / Metre
Max Loading: LX bars 500kg
Length: 9,000mm
Hemp Sets
7 x Hauling BarMax Loading: 70kg
Length: 9,000mm
Side Sets
2 No. Manual Winched Raise & Lowers SetsMax Loading: 250kg
Auditorium
No Rigging Points separate from existing Lighting BarsAuditorium
Level 1
Stalls - 178 No. Fixed tip up seats, on a raked floorLevel 2
Dress Circle - 165 No. Fixed tip up seats on a raked tierLevel 3
Upper Circle - 89 No. Fixed tip up seats on a raked tierControl Room
Positioned: Rear of StallsAccess: from Backstage via The Foyer
Stage Area - Part 1
Proscenium Stage
Stage Floor
Flat Softwood Timber on Battens (painted black)Cross Over
Long route via a series of backstage corridorsSafety Curtain
Safety Curtain immediately US of Proscenium(Safety Curtain must be able to fly in at all times during performance)
Pros Width
5,800mm (from pros to pros)Pros Height
6,400mm (from stage to pros)Gallery Width
9,790mm (from fly gallery to tech gallery)Stage Width
12,400mm (from side wall to side wall @ pros line)12,200mm (from side wall to side wall @ US line)
Stage Height
1,100mm (from auditorium floor to stage)13,500mm (from stage to grid underside)
7,010mm (from stage to fly / tech gallery)
Stage Dept
5,500mm (SR, from US line to safety curtain)7,500mm (SL, from US line to safety curtain)
Apron
Stage Extension / Pit Cover, available at request. Extends Stage Depth by 1,800mm @ Centre Line. Ask Technical Manager for detailsStage Area - Part 2
Orchestra Pit
Curved Permanent Pit, in front of stage, extending 1,800mm (approx.)Access: via Backstage, or FOH, Stairwell
Accommodation: 18 - 25 (approx.)
Storage
Very limited scenery storage space availableAV / Steaming Equipment
Audio Visual
1 x SONY VPL-FH66 - Projector 6000 lumensProjector screen 4 m wide x 3 m - high, front projection only, (position/control room)
The screen can be hung in a variety of positions up/downstage and at various heights (please note, the further upstage the screen is hung the lower it needs to be to the stage floor if there is an audience on the upper circle, i.e. a full house
Streaming Equipment
3 x JVC AVC HD Progressive 4K Cam – GY-HM 180E1 x Data Video PTC-140 HD PTZ Camera
1 x Data Video RMC-180 PTZ Camera Control Unit
1 x Roland 3G-SDI Video Switcher V-1SDI
1 x Black Magic ATEM Mini Pro Switcher
2 x Aceail i605DX Tripods
We stream via Vimeo LiveStream Studio 6
3 fixed camera positions in auditorium, one manned position in operators box Various relevant cabling, please contact Technical Manager for details
General Information
Building
430 Seat classical Victorian Theatre with Proscenium stage on 3 seating levelsAddress
The Mall, WaterfordPhone
+353 (0)51 853626Contacts
Theatre Director: Mary Boland theatredirector@theatreroyal.ieTechnical Manager: Dermot Quinn dermotquinn@theatreroyal.ie
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a concession ticket?
A concession ticket is a reduced price ticket that may be available to the following: children (18 years and under), students, senior citizens (65 years and over only with identification) and registered disabled/unwaged (available with appropriate ID) Many of our shows have concessions available, and they must be requested at the time of booking. Concessions not requested at the time of booking cannot be allocated later. Proof of eligibility will be required when collecting tickets.
Please note that not all shows have concessions available, as they are at the discretion of the promoter of the event.
Is Theatre Royal wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Theatre Royal is wheelchair accessible.
The Stalls has 4 removable seats for wheelchair access - D1, D20, F19 & G1
These tickets are not available online, please contact the box office on 051 874402 to book these tickets.
PLEASE NOTE:
Wheelchair accessible seating will be released 1 week prior to the performance.
Do I need a ticket for young children?
For health and safety reasons, all children aged 3 and above require a ticket to enjoy a show in the Theatre Royal.
Children aged 2 and under will be admitted free of charge to all performances and are permitted to sit on the lap of a parent/guardian. Parents/Guardians must let Box Office know about their baby on arrival at the theatre. If a parent/guardian wishes to have a separate seat for their baby they must purchase a ticket accordingly.
NOTE:
Please consider customers behind you when handling your baby; it is important that you do not block the view of the child or patron behind you.
Please also consider the customers in front of you at all times.
No buggies are permitted in the auditorium. A member of our Front Of House team will assist with storing buggy.
What are your Child Protection Policies?
Child Safeguarding Statement
https://theatreroyal.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Child_Safeguarding_Statement.pdf
Child Welfare Statement
https://theatreroyal.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Child_Welfare_Statement.pdf
PLEASE NOTE:
All children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Why is there a booking fee?
The booking fee goes toward covering the administration costs that the Theatre Royal incurs in the process of selling a ticket, such as credit card processing fees, bank charges, box office staffing and agent/administration fees.
What payment methods does the Theatre Royal accept?
Tickets can be purchased by cash, cheque, and credit or debit card.
If you are paying by cheque, please make crossed cheques payable to the Theatre Royal Waterford.
The credit and debit cards accepted for payments are Visa, MasterCard and Visa Debit over the telephone and in person. We accept Visa and Mastercard and Visa Debit online.
Does the Box Office provide cash back?
We regret that our Box Office does not provide cash back services.
Can I get a refund or exchange tickets for a different show?
The Theatre Royal can issue a Voucher Refund to customers under the following policy.
A refund can be made no later than the close of business, 4pm, on the day before the event.
A refund will be made to the value of the ticket in the form of a voucher for Theatre Royal events.
No refund or voucher can be issued on the day of the event or following an event.
In the case of a performance being cancelled or rescheduled, you may avail of a refund up to 30 days following this change.
After 30 days it will revert to our refund policy above.
Why are my contact details asked when purchasing a ticket and what do you do with that information?
When you book a ticket at the Theatre Royal, your personal information will be held in our database for the purposes of contacting you regarding an event should we need to, e.g., cancellations or seating change.
Please see our Privacy Policy for more details https://theatreroyal.ie/about/our-privacy-policy
No personal contact details can be taken from patrons under the age of 16. A parent/guardian email or phone number must be provided to be used only in the case of postponement and cancellations.
How do I book tickets online?
To buy a ticket, you will need to select a particular show and date.
Select your seats - available seats will be shown in green (unrestricted view) and orange (restricted view), unavailable seating will show up as pale grey.
To change the level that you would prefer to be seated in, select the dropdown menu above the seat map (if a level does not show in the down bar it is either full or is unavailable at this time).
Once you have chosen your seats click Confirm Selection.
Performances may have multiple pricing selections so you will need to choose the relevant price from the dropdown at this time.
Once happy with this, click Add to Cart.
Go to your cart in the top right hand corner to view your order.
Select your preferred delivery method (Box Office Collection or E-ticket).
Choose Continue to checkout.
You have the option to login or continue as a guest.
You will have 15 minutes to complete the order before the tickets are released.
To do so, enter your credit card details (payment by Visa, Visa Debit or MasterCard only) and select the Pay Now button underneath.
If you are paying with a voucher, there is an option in the top right and input your voucher code.
You will then receive an email confirming your booking (if you do not receive this email contact box office on +353 (0)51 874402 or boxoffice@theatreroyal.ie).
Please show your ticket on a smartphone when you arrive at Theatre Royal.
If you are collecting your tickets at Box Office please arrive 30 minutes before the performance is due to begin.
Please note that, for security reasons, we do not store your credit card details in our system.
How many tickets can I book online?
Up to 10 tickets can be purchased on the Theatre Royal website.
If you are looking to make larger group bookings please contact the box office on +353 (0)51 874402.
How will I know when my booking has gone through?
Once you are satisfied with your seat allocation and have entered your credit card details on the final booking page, click Pay Now to process the booking. You will then receive an e-mail confirming your booking.
If you do not receive this email please contact Box Office on +353 (0)51 874402 or boxoffice@theatreroyal.ie
Where exactly is the Theatre Royal?
Theatre Royal is located on The Mall, in the heart of Waterford City.
BY CAR
When travelling on N9 (from Dublin), N25 ( from Wexford) or N24 ( from Limerick) follow signs for Waterford city centre and cross over the bridge. At the traffic lights, turn left and proceed down the Quay and Custom House Parade. The road will bend to the right, away from the river, with The Tower Hotel facing you. Go straight through the next set of traffic lights and the Theatre Royal is on your right hand side.
When traveling on N25 from Cork, follow signs for Waterford city centre, until you get to Parnell Street, which then becomes The Mall. The Theatre Royal is on the left hand side of The Mall.
TRAIN STATION
The train station is located approx 2km from the Theatre Royal.
Make your way across the bridge, turn left onto the Quay, continue on as far as the Tower Hotel, turn right and continue for approx 100m, Theatre Royal will be to your right. Please check Google/Apple Maps or call 051 874402 if you experience any difficulty.
BY BUS
The Bus Station is located approx 1km from Theatre Royal. Turn left onto the Quay, continue on as far as the Tower Hotel, turn right and continue for approx 100m, Theatre Royal will be to your right. Please check Google/Apple Maps or call 051 874402 if you experience any difficulty.
If coming from the Cork Road direction, disembark on Parnell Street to your right, Theatre Royal is approx 100m away
BIKING
There is a City Bike Station located directly across the road from Theatre Royal on Bank Lane.
GREEN ARTS VENUE
As Theatre Royal is a Green Arts Venue, we recommend the use of public transport, walking, cycling or car shares where possible.
How do I get to Theatre Royal sustainably?
As Theatre Royal is a Green Arts Venue, we recommend the use of public transport, walking, cycling, and car shares where possible.
There is a City Bike Station located directly across the road from Theatre Royal on Bank Lane.
If needed, there are electric car recharging station located in Bolton Street Carpark (behind Waterford Crystal), on Waterside, and on Parnell Street.
Is there parking available at the Theatre Royal?
The Theatre Royal is located in the heart of Waterford city, and there is plenty of on-street parking in the area.
The nearest car parks areas are Bolton Street Carpark, Gasworks, Waterside, and The Quay.
If needed, there are electric car recharging station located in Bolton Street Carpark (behind Waterford Crystal), on Waterside, and on Parnell Street.
At what time does the bar in the Theatre Royal open?
The Stage Door Bar is open on performance evenings one hour before the performance is due to begin.
What does it mean when a performance is a Session?
During a Session, the Stage Door Bar will remain open until 5 minutes before the performance time; theatre customers have the option to bring Stage Door Bar purchased beverages into the auditorium with them and enjoy from the comfort of their seat while taking in the performance.
The Stage Door Bar will reopen at the interval.
Is there a Hearing Loop System in Theatre Royal?
Yes, Theatre Royal does have a Hearing Loop System.
However, certain acts do require us to have this system turned off due to technical interference.
We recommend that you contact the Theatre in advance of the performance.
Can I use my phone in Theatre Royal?
Phones may be used in the Foyer, Box Office, and Bar areas.
The use of phones and recording equipment is not permitted within the Auditorium.
Any use of these devices may result in you being asked to leave, without refund.
Our History
1700's
The Theatre Royal is Ireland’s oldest continually operating theatre. Lovingly restored, this Victorian gem hidden within a beautiful Georgian building is a jewel in the midst of Waterford’s Viking Triangle. The building opened in 1785 and included a playhouse and Assembly Rooms which were designed by famous Waterford architect John Roberts. The first performance on the opening evening was Shakespeare’s popular five-act comedy As You Like It. The Ball Room, which we today call The Large Room, was completed later in 1788.
See MoreTheatre Royal 1700'S
1785 was a very prosperous time in Waterford and with that prosperity came a rise in demand for entertainment. A group of Waterford’s leading citizens and merchants came together to build Assembly Rooms and a Theatre. Designed by local architect John Roberts who also became one of the proprietors. The Mayor traditionally had use of the ground floor and events took place in the Assembly Rooms and Concert Hall upstairs.
The Assembly Rooms opened for Balls on August 4th, 1785, and entertainments of all sorts followed – fancy dress soirees, plays, concerts, and card games. The cost of attending a Ball was 5s 5d. for Gentlemen and 3s. 3d. for Ladies. Tea was available for the price of 6d. The Card Room was made available to Ladies and Gentlemen on Sept. 18th, 1785, and cost “One British Shilling” to attend. The main play of the opening evening was Shakespeare’s popular five-act comedy As You Like It, followed by a presentation of Arthur Murphy’s two-act farce The Citizen. Music on the evening was provided by Charles Clagget of Dublin. Top of the bill was the famous opera singer from England, the soprano Elizabeth Billington. Among the highlights of the opening season was a breakfast for Prince William Henry who later became King William IV.
As there was not enough money to build everything at once the Ball Room, which we now refer to as The Large Room, was finished in April 1788. However, the relationship between the client and the architect did not always go well as noted in the minutes of a meeting from that time to instruct ”that an orchestra be erected at the upper end of the great ballroom” and that is what the upper gallery was used for in those days.
John Roberts would not have approved as the gallery compromises the proportions and symmetry of this marvellous room. It would not be the first time that the client and the architect fought over ”aesthetics versus practicality” in this building and would not be the last. The original ballroom was green but in the first years of the 19th century it was changed to pink as it was felt that would be a better colour to show off the ‘ladies and the lights’.
During the rising of the United Irishmen a decade later in 1798 the government thought it prudent as a precautionary measure to move elements of the Regiment of Guards and the North Cork Militia into the city of Waterford and the soldiers were billeted here in the Assembly Rooms. We know this from the minutes of June 1799 were the treasurer, a Mr. Newport was requested to object in the strongest possible terms about the loss of income to the theatre by virtue of the fact that it was “precluded from having any public entertainment during the whole season”.
Famous artists from all over the world played here including Angelica Catalani from Italy, Jenny Lind, the famous Swedish Nightingale and Catherine Hayes the famous Limerick-born Prima Donna from La Scala, Milan. Daly’s Dublin Theatre Royal company performed regularly as did Charlotte Melmoth an 18th century English actress.
1800's
The building was upgraded to the auditorium that we see today in 1876 when the doors of the new Theatre Royal were first opened. At that time it was stated that “we have sufficient guarantee that nothing of an objectionable character will ever be presented within its walls”! And that has remained until today! In those early days, Oscar Wilde lectured on America here and may even have recounted that famous anecdote that when asked at American customs if he had anything to declare his response was “only my genius”.
See MoreTheatre Royal 1800'S
The Assembly Rooms and Playhouse became and remained for almost eighty years the Cultural and Social centre of the City. Famous artists from all over the world played there. The influence of the Theatre during this period is reflected in the number of famous actors born in the City. Maria Anne Campion was born in 1775 and appeared at Crowe Street Theatre, Dublin at the age of seventeen years. She went to England and played Juliet at Covent Garden Theatre. Dorothea Jordan was born in Waterford in 1762 and played at Crowe St in 1777. She became famous as Rosalind in “As you like it” and was rated as being superior to Mrs. Siddons who dominated the English theatre of the day.
In 1810 Andrew Cherry arrived with his Company of strolling players. In the Company was a twenty-one year old man, Edmund Kean, who was destined to become the greatest actor of his time. The company played Waterford for four months and Kean married an actress, Miss Chambers who came from a Waterford family. A year later while again playing Waterford, a son, Charles Kean was born in Colbeck Street. He in turn became a famous actor and married another Waterford actress Ellen Tree. Charles Kean played in Waterford in 1836. William Vincent Wallace, composer of Maritana, Lurline, Amber Witch, and many other works was born in the same house in Colbeck St. as Charles Kean.
After a century of being at the heart of Cultural life in Waterford a proposal was made in 1874 to upgrade the playhouse in the west wing of the City Hall building. Two years later the plans for the projected theatre were approved: “Waterford will soon possess one of the handsomest and best theatres in the Kingdom, capable of accommodating 1,000 persons; “it will be to a certain extent, under the control of the corporation and its officers, we have sufficient guarantee that nothing of an objectionable character will ever be presented within its walls”.
The Theatre Royal opened its doors on Easter Monday 17th April 1876. Long before seven o’clock that evening a large crowd had gathered in the Town Hall. By that time Palace Lane (Flaggy Lane) was thronged with people anxious to get a glimpse inside the new Theatre. It was raining heavily and instead of opening the box office at seven o’clock as that was the time appointed, it did not open until half past seven. By this time the crowd had further increased and several women fainted in the crush. When the ticket office finally opened pandemonium broke out and the police had to be called to restore order.
The first act to perform in the Theatre Royal was Mr. John Royston’s Comedy and Opera Bouffe. In 1881 Oscar Wilde lectured on America here and may even have recounted that famous anecdote that when asked at American customs if he had anything to declare his response was “only my genius”. The Theatre Royal was taken over by the Corporation in 1881 after many difficulties.
1900's
In the 1900s it was used as a musical theatre, and a cinema, playing host to King Edward VII, The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Harold Pinter and a host of local theatre groups.
In the 1950s it was briefly suggested that the performance area be closed and that the theatre is converted into council offices. However local dramatic groups and the general public revolted at the thought and the theatre reopened in 1958. Two years later it hosted the first ever “Waterford Festival of Light opera” which ran for over 50 years.
See MoreTheatre Royal 1900'S
1904 saw a high prole visit of King Edward VII. In 1882 a bye-law was passed “prohibiting smoking in any part of the house subject to a fine of £2 which will be rigorously enforced. It was also decided that anybody guilty of “foul or filthy conduct” in the gallery would be subjected to a penalty of £5 and also be criminally prosecuted. It was run as a musical theatre up to 1906.
Percy French and John McCormack performed here during this time as did The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The lease was then granted to Mr. John Collins, Borough Constable and in 1910 a licence was granted for Cinematograph performances until his widow Bridget Collins relinquished the lease in 1917. For over 30 years it was conducted as a cinema and theatre by Mr. Lawrence Breen and his brother Martin. In the 19th and 20th century the parade of performers and legendary companies continued in the regenerated Victorian theatre. In the early twentieth century the famous D’Oyly Carte Opera Company who specialised in Gilbert and Sullivan, played regularly here as did F. R. Benson’s Shakespeare Company, Elster Grimes, Moody Manners, Carl Rosa and the Italian Opera Companies.
The Buffalo Bill Cody Show came to town and, it was reputed, shot the lights out at the end of their show! After independence an increasing number of Irish touring companies, albeit mostly with standard British repertoire, began to visit the Theatre Royal. Lord Longford’s company, Anew Mc Master, Edwards and Mac Liamoir, the storied Abbey Theatre, Ronnie Ibbs and Louis D’Alton.
The great British Nobel Prize Winning playwright, Harold Pinter acted with Anew McMaster and toured Ireland playing theatres throughout the land including this one. In his memoir of Mc Master, Pinter said that “Ireland wasn’t golden always, but it was golden sometimes, and in 1950 it was, all in all, a golden age for me and others”.
In 1955 the theatre ran into financial difficulties that comes with the territory of running a performing arts venue and the then City Manager, who shall remain nameless, determined that the theatre should close and be converted into City offices. The Waterford public had not only enjoyed the wide variety of professional touring work which came through the Royal but this had spawned local amateur companies like the Wallace Operatic Society named after Waterford composer William Vincent Wallace, the Grand Opera Society, the De La Salle Musical Society, the Waterford Dramatic Society and others. These societies and the general theatre going public were in revolt at the idea of closing the theatre and a public meeting was held in early 1956 out of which the Theatre Royal Society was born. On the back of a well-supported fund raising campaign the theatre was saved for that and for future generations.
The theatre reopened in March 1958 with the premiere performance of a play about the patriot, Roger Casement which was performed by the celebrated Irish actor Cyril Cusack and his touring company. Cusack said on the opening night with reference to the dispute which had been won by the people “In serving our Irish theatre we endeavour to preserve the spirit of art and liberty for all our citizens. This is why it is our privilege to be called on to re-open the Theatre Royal as a national provincial centre of drama with the premiere of a play concerned with the spirit of liberty”.
Since then the Theatre Royal is also known as The People’s Theatre and was home to the following societies:
- Festival of Light Opera
- Feile na Scoileanna
- Tops of the Town
- Old Tyme Music Society
- The Waterford Pantomime Society
- Waterford Dramatic Ballet Companies
2000's
In recent years the theatre has undergone extensive renovations under the direction of Artistic Director Ben Barnes. The new extension includes the addition of state of the art dressing rooms and the restoration of the 18th century wall at the rear of the stage.
See MoreTheatre Royal 2000'S
Ben Barnes, the former Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre became director of the Theatre Royal.
The Theatre Royal became a member of the Theatre Forum, the newly established membership body for the professional performing arts in Ireland.
Waterford actress Anna Manahan reprised her Tony Award winning performance in “The Beauty Queen of Leenane”.
Funding was secured from Waterford City Council and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism to renovate the Victorian theatre and the ceremonial City Hall foyer. During the renovations the architects had the idea to bring the auditorium forward thus creating a crossover linking the 1990’s foyer, the 1870’s theatre and the 1780’s vestibule. This intervention brilliantly brings together the Georgian playhouse and entrance vestibule, the Victorian theatre and the 21st century fit for purpose celebration of a unique heritage building with a living theatrical history here in the heart of the Viking Triangle.
Having been closed for renovations for almost 2 years the Theatre Royal officially opened on 4th November 2009 with a performance of Bernard Farrell’s play “Wallace, Balfe and Mr. Bunn” which had been specially commissioned to coincide with the reopening of the newly renovated theatre. Members of the audience commented “It was a night of wonderful memories”
A further grant in 2011 saw the building of the new dressing room wing and the restoration of the 18th century wall at the rear of the stage. These new renovations helped create facilities to house some memorable moments in theatre in Waterford including “The International Festival of Light Opera” which celebrated its 50th Anniversary in November 2010.
“The Invader” an opera written by Eric Sweeney and Mark Roper was performed in 2014 which was specially written to celebrate Waterford’s 1100 anniversary. 30 years of Waterford Pantomime Society celebrated with a performance of “Jack and the Beanstalk” in December 2015.
Performers such as Brendan O’Carroll, Mary Coughlan, Rebecca Storm, Mick Lally, Mary McEvoy, Pat Shortt, Tommy Tiernan, Jack L, Mike Denver, Hozier have all treaded the boards at the Theatre Royal. This fantastic space proves its versatility and importance by housing a number of specialised events including a recent and thought provoking talk by Professor Louise Richardson on terrorism along with some unique presentations such as a wonderful culinary display of skills by Donal Skehan.
It is these performers alongside and in conjunction with multiple touring companies and also our own talented local theatre groups ie: South East Theatre Group, Theatrebox Productions, Ignite Productions are proof that the theatre is well and truly alive and plays its most significant role of breathing some distinctively creative air into the hearts and minds of the people of Waterford.
The Theatre Royal or “The People’s Theatre” as its locally known has always been and will remain the hub of social and cultural life in Waterford City since opening its doors in 1785 and will continue to be the centre for Drama, Music, Dance, Comedy and all things unique.
Whenever we need a break from the “hum drum” of daily life the theatre offers a space where we can laugh, cry and learn. All of this comes at the hands of those who part take in such performances, most memorable of which hailing from Waterford. Their legacies stand testament to the power and importance of the theatre. The late Denny Corcoran who brought so much happiness with his Pantomime productions and of course his Waterford anthem “My City of Music”, the late Bryan Flynn with his world premieres of “Pentimenti” and “MichaelCollins”.
The sterling work of those devoted to its restoration as one of the nest venues in the country has seen the Theatre Royal poised on the brink of becoming one of the best equipped theatres on this island. Much of the credit must go to the late Larry Fanning – hard working Chairman of the Theatre Royal Friendly Society who made it a life’s work to bring the Theatre Royal back into the Premier Division of Irish theatre.
A last word to the people of Waterford from the late Larry Fanning: “This is your theatre and yours alone. Committees and Corporations can keep a building open, but it is only people who can keep a theatre alive by their presence, support and encouragement. The future is in your hands”.
INHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
Over the years, Theatre Royal has brought acclaimed artists and creative teams from Ireland and overseas to work closely with the abundance of local talent we are so lucky to have on our doorstep. The aim has always been to cultivate indigenous artistic expertise and knowledge whilst also producing world class theatre for the city and the region.
Productions include the Irish Premiere of A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O’Neill in an international co-production with the Geva Theatre Center, Rochester, New York.
The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson (2012), The Beauty\Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh (2010), Eden by Eugene O’Brien (2013) and a new Irish Opera, The Invader by Eric Sweeney and Mark Roper (2014).
Theatre Royal’s annual Shakespeare Review was developed to assist Leaving Cert students to gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s iconic masterpieces by lifting the play off the page and onto the stage, is watched by thousands of young people from across the South East annually.