Restoration of Restoration Theatre in Dublin

Excavation Reveals Artifacts from Seventeenth Century Building

Aug 25, 2009

Excavation revealed artifacts and old structural sections during preliminary stage of theatre restoration that is supported by actor Liam Neeson.

Smock Alley, now known as Essex Street West in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, Ireland, was the site of a famous theatre built in 1662.

Officially named Theatre Royal of Smock Alley, it has an extraordinary history. It was the first theatre built in Dublin after restoration of the English monarchy in 1660. Premier performers and playwrights presented their works on its stage. It shared productions with England’s Drury Lane and Covent Garden, and Scotland’s Canongate.

During the years since the theatre closed in 1787, the building has been renovated and used for various purposes. These included a church and a Viking adventure organization.

Restoration Proposal and Grant

When proposals for future use of the premises went out, Smock Alley Limited and the Gaiety School of Acting became involved. They proposed that, as much as possible, the building would be restored to its former glory. The refurbished building would include:

The proposal included a statement that respect for tradition would be shown. Also, encouragement would be given for development of wide-ranging works for the future.

In 2006, the year of its 20th Anniversary, the school celebrated with the Prime Minister of Ireland when he symbolically turned the sod on the development. Working with the Temple Bar Cultural Trust, the school received a grant from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. Their efforts to obtain private donations continue. Projected date of completion is 2012.

Archaeologists Unearth Artifacts

An archaeological survey required under the grant is now finished. With their excavations, the archaeologists exposed the original theatre’s horseshoe-shaped walls. They also found more structural parts from areas renovated during the theatre’s lifetime. As three different versions of the theatre exist, complete reinstatement is not possible.

A section of the original mosaic floor tiling, a broken wine bottle, clay pipes, a ceramic hair curler, and numerous oyster shells were discovered. Oysters were a favorite snack of patrons during performances. The artifacts will be preserved in a museum display.

Actor Liam Neeson Supports Project

Actor Liam Neeson, Patron of The Gaiety School of Acting, fully supports the inspirational project. In his statement shown on the school’s website, Mr. Neeson said, “Let the new Smock Alley Theatre of the 21st Century be a true reflection of Dublin’s original Smock Alley, a resource for the City of Dublin, for Ireland and the world.”

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The copyright of the article Restoration of Restoration Theatre in Dublin in Theatre History is owned by Kathleen Airdrie. Permission to republish Restoration of Restoration Theatre in Dublin in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.