Limerick’s Theatre Royal to reopen as pop-up theatre after decades of dereliction

Limerick’s long-derelict Theatre Royal is being restored into a pop-up theatre, beginning with a new play premiering this October

The old Theatre Royal building on Cecil Street in Limerick

An old cinema building in Limerick will become a pop-up theatre this October.

The former Theatre Royal on Cecil Street is currently being renovated ahead of the premiere of a new play.

Through the discretionary mayoral fund, Limerick mayor John Moran has committed to support the restoration of the building, with Limerick Twenty Thirty enabling the project and overseeing the works.

The historic venue once hosted performances by Father Ted’s Eurovision cast, the Cranberries, the Prodigy, and the Corrs as recently as the 1990s.

The building, located on Cecil Street, closed in 1997 after a fire destroyed its interior and left it derelict.

Roof repairs, a new fire safety system, and accessible facilities are part of the upgrades, which will make the building safe, dry, and usable.

The first production in the rejuvenated space will be CONNIE, by award-winning Limerick playwrights Ann Blake and Joanne Ryan, opening this October.

Last November, the feature production One Night Only was filmed at the former cinema. 

Directed by Cappamore native David Gleeson, the feel-good movie is set in 1980s Ireland and serves as a loving tribute to the cinema experience, following the manager of a small-town theatre trying to keep order on a chaotic Friday night.

Mr Moran, said: “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.

“I want to particularly thank the team at Limerick Twenty Thirty for stepping up to lead the delivery of this restoration and the ETB for leasing us the building for the interim while permanent plans are agreed.

He added: “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.”