Cork Opera House unveils ambitious plans to scale up production and facilities

The five-year strategic plan will enhance its producing capacity and facilities, expand its outreach initiatives, and increase accessibility

Cork Opera House marks its 170th anniversary this year. File Picture: Des Barry

Cork Opera House has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic plan to enhance its producing capacity and facilities, expand its outreach initiatives and increase accessibility.

It plans to conduct a major scoping exercise on its facilities and equipment to identify what needs to be upgraded, and then prepare a 10-year capital investment plan, setting out how it can be financed, to ensure the venue remains competitive.

It also pledges to continue working with local festivals and artists, and to commission an independent report on the provision of orchestral programming and performance in the Cork region.

The Opera House will develop ticket pricing structures in support of artists, allowing as many artists as possible to experience performances at the venue without financial barriers.

Cllr Mary Rose Desmond, chair of the strategic planning committee, and Tim Healy, chair of the board of the Opera House, at the launch the Cork Opera House Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030, on Monday. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

The theatre's chief executive Eibhlín Gleeson set out the vision on Monday night as she launched the 40-page strategy document that will guide the cultural institution’s development between now and 2030.

As the historic venue marks its 170th anniversary this year, Ms Gleeson said the new strategy seeks to build on that rich heritage by focusing on its programme, its community, its history, people, infrastructure and financial health as it seeks to balance commercially successful productions alongside developing an ambitious in-house artistic programme. 

Included in the strategy are pledges to:

• Focus on the development of large-scale shows, musicals and traditional theatre with a promise of ‘something for everyone’;
• Prioritise classic repertoire and nurture opera talent through programmes such as the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artist programme;
• Champion diversity and inclusion and take steps to welcome marginalised communities through accessible performances, community workshops and culturally sensitive programming;
• Seek to develop a dedicated rehearsal space for in-house productions and a focus on sustainability.

The Opera House does not have its own rehearsal space for any of its in-house productions and the strategy document says this is “of serious strategic concern”.

“Finding a home for rehearsals will need to become a key strategic objective for Cork Opera House as we scale up in terms of our production capacity,” it says.

“As we look forward to the next five years, Cork Opera House is poised for an even more ambitious future,” Ms Gleeson said.

Cork Opera House CEO Eibhlín Gleeson says the strategy seeks to build on the venue’s rich heritage. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Chair of the board Tim Healy said the plan seeks to ensure the theatre’s relevance, vitality, and sustainability for generations to come.

“We recognise the importance of honouring our rich heritage, while embracing innovation and adaptability in an ever-changing world,” he said.

The Opera House receives about €460,000 in revenue grants annually, with €410,000 of that coming from Cork City Council and the Arts Council, with €50,000 from Cork County Council. 

It is forecasting similar levels of grant support over the next five years, with an increase in turnover, total revenue, and net profit all forecast.