Beneath the marquees, let’s talk about a Dublin institution. The Gaiety Theatre has stood here on South King Street since 1871. It’s a landmark that has showcased world-class entertainment to the people of Ireland.
The Gaiety Theatre’s story began with brothers John and Michael Gunn. They secured a 21-year license to establish a well-regulated theatre. Unlike other theatres, they didn’t promote local drama. This helped them gain favour with Dublin Castle administration.
C.J. Phipps was hired as the architect. He designed the Gaiety Theatre. Phipps had recently completed London’s Gaiety Theatre. Its name and layout were adopted for Dublin. The Gaiety Theatre was built in just 28 weeks. It cost £26,000. The grand opening occurred on November 27, 1871. The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland attended a double bill. It featured She Stoops to Conquer and La Belle Sauvage.
Originally, the Gaiety Theatre could hold 2000 people. It was spread over four floors with separate entrances and stairways for each class of seat. It had innovative tip-up seats. These increased audience capacity. Fire-safety features included a 4-inch water main and stone staircases. The Gaiety was designed as a receiving house. It welcomed touring companies and didn’t have its own resident company.
Frank Matcham extended The Gaiety in 1883. Despite renovations, it retains many Victorian features. It is Dublin’s longest-established continuously producing theatre.
Patrick Wall and Louis Elliman purchased the Gaiety Theatre in 1936. They ran it for decades with local talent. In 1965, they sold it. Later, MCD bought The Gaiety in the late 1990s. They refitted the theatre.
Many celebrated performers have left their mark here. Look down. Bronze handprints of Luciano Pavarotti, Maureen Potter, and John B. Keane are set in the pavement. These are beneath the theatre canopy.
The Gaiety Theatre hosted the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest. It was the first held in Ireland. The Gaiety is famous for its annual Christmas pantomime. It has hosted one every year since 1873. Except for 2020 because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Louis Elliman made a significant impact on The Gaiety. He instituted home-produced Christmas pantomimes. The Dublin Grand Opera Society established its two annual seasons under his management. A portrait of Louis Elliman hangs in the Gaiety’s foyer.
During World War II, Louis Elliman invited Hilton Edwards and Micheál MacLiammóir to perform. They gave spring and autumn seasons of plays each year. Louis also fostered local talent. He persuaded Jimmy O’Dea and Harry O’Donovan to move to the Gaiety.
Many international opera stars have graced the Gaiety’s stage. These include Tito Gobbi, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti. MacLiammóir called the Gaiety “a place of breadth and dignity.” Milo O’Shea said Dublin without the Gaiety would lack glamour and excitement. The Gaiety Theatre remains a vital part of Dublin’s cultural scene. It continues to bring laughter and tears to audiences.