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Gaiety Theatre (Dublin, Ireland)

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1871    

Historical note

In April 1871, the brothers John and Michael Gunn obtained a twenty-one-year license to establish a new theater. The Gaiety opened on November 27, 1871, with the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, John Poyntz Spencer, as the guest of honor. The Gaiety is known for its annual Christmas pantomime and has hosted a pantomime every year since 1874. In 2003, the owners, Denis and Caroline Desmond, invested in a sizable restoration project; the most substantial restorations were undertaken in 2007, including rebuilding the stage, the orchestra pit, and a new and taller tower. The theater retains several Victorian era features and as of 2024 remains Dublin's longest-established, continuously producing theater.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Boston College collection of Irish theater publications and ephemera

 Collection
Abstract

Consists of programs and playbills from performing arts theaters in Ireland, predominantly Dublin, Galway, and Cork. The bulk of programs represent Cork Opera House, Druid Theatre/Mick Lally Theatre, Gaiety Theatre, Gate Theatre, and Olympia Theatre. The collection also contains ephemera such as articles, fliers, invitations, posters, and ticket stubs.

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research.

Dates: 1907 - 2022