Abbey takes centre stage with centenary celebrations

AFTER 12 months of high drama - as much off-stage as on - the Abbey Theatre lightened up yesterday with a day-long programme of events to celebrate its 100th birthday.

It has been a turbulent year for the national theatre - a budget deficit estimated at €2.5 million, a controversial restructuring plan put on hold, and divisions between artistic director Ben Barnes and the board - but yesterday, the focus was on having some fun.

The celebrations kicked off at the theatre, on Dublin’s Lower Abbey Street, around 12.30pm when a swing band kicked into action and street performers and stilt walkers entertained the public.