Historic Theatre Royal in Limerick Set for Major Renovation

UPDATE: Major renovations are currently underway at the historic Theatre Royal on Cecil St in Limerick City, transforming the derelict venue into a vibrant pop-up theatre. This urgent restoration includes critical roof repairs, the installation of a new fire safety system, and enhancements for accessibility, ensuring the building will be safe and usable for future performances.

The first production, titled ‘CONNIE’, is set to debut this October 2023. Written by acclaimed Limerick playwrights Ann Blake and Joanne Ryan, ‘CONNIE’ promises an extraordinary experience, featuring an all-female cast, live performances, archival film, and an original score recorded with the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

This historic venue has a rich legacy, having hosted iconic performances, including scenes from Father Ted and concerts by renowned artists like The Cranberries and The Prodigy in the 1990s. However, the theatre was forced to close in 1997 after a devastating fire left it in ruins.

Limerick’s Mayor John Moran is championing this restoration, leveraging the Mayoral Fund to support the initial renovation efforts. The project is being facilitated by Limerick Twenty Thirty, which is overseeing the renovation works. Mayor Moran stated,

“The Theatre Royal holds a special place in Limerick’s memory, and this is just the beginning of our journey in bringing this historic venue back into use.”

He emphasized the importance of revitalizing the theatre, saying,

“I absolutely want the Theatre Royal to once again serve as a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Limerick, with scope for theatre, community use, and creative projects that will breathe new life into our city centre.”

This restoration is not just about rebuilding; it’s about rekindling Limerick’s cultural spirit. The mayor expressed gratitude to the team at Limerick Twenty Thirty for their leadership in this endeavor and to the Education and Training Board (ETB) for leasing the building during the interim period.

As work progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the return of live performances to this cherished venue, marking a significant step in revitalizing Limerick’s cultural landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as the opening of ‘CONNIE’ approaches, signaling a new chapter for the Theatre Royal.