Introduction to Theaters in Dublin
Ireland has a worldwide reputation for writing, poetry, and theater. Many visitors to Dublin will be surprised how writing is still such a central part of Irish culture – you will see writers featured on the front page of the newspaper, advertisements will alert you of theater festivals, and you might even bump into a famous playwright walking down Grafton Street. Whenever someone asks me: what should I do on my first trip to Dublin? My answer is always: go to the theater. Go see something by an Irish playwright. Go get a feel for why ‘Irish angst’ makes great plays.
There are a few theaters in Dublin to choose from, and each one has its pros and cons. It also depends largely on what production is playing during your visit. Again, I’d emphasize seeking out a play by an Irish playwright to make your Dublin experience worthwhile. A favorite of mine is Conor McPherson, so if there is a play by him currently on the stage, book your tickets as far in advance as possible!
1. The Abbey Theatre: The Abbey is the National Theatre of Ireland. It was founded by the poet WB Yeats and has a special place in the hearts of many Dubliners. It has a great upstairs bar that serves both coffee/tea and beer/wine. You can also put your order in for intermission ahead of time to skip the lines. One thing I love about the Abbey (besides its fantastic productions, intimate setting, and great seating) is its ticket system. Using the Abbey website you can choose your seat by taking a look at the actual view from an individual seat. This technology makes choosing the perfect seat from across the world a realistic option. (map)
2. The Peacock Theatre: The Peacock is located beneath the Abbey Theatre, in what used to be a practice performance space. The productions here are usually a bit edgier, and the audiences are younger. Most people will be sipping on a beer instead of tea at intermission. What it lacks in grandeur this theatre makes up for in intimacy – the small space brings you up close and personal with the actors. (map)
3. The Gate: This classic theatre is located on the north side of Dublin, near Parnell Square. The audience here is more likely to be drinking tea, but the traditional experience is well worth a visit. The Gate is very good about both supporting Irish playwrights and also bringing back the classics. Matinee tickets are especially good deals. (map)
4. The Gaiety: This theatre is located just off Grafton Street and hosts a range of productions. I was there recently for ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and was thoroughly impressed. On the other hand, I’ve also been very disappointed by shows here, and tickets are expensive. You also have to purchase through Ticketmaster (unless you go to the box office) and this means fees. Beware of productions here and choose wisely. (map)
Enjoy the show!
Photo Credit: SXC
