This article is from page 35 of the 2008-05-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
DECADES after falling into disre- pair Lisdoonvarna’s Pavilion Theatre re-opens its doors to the public this weekend. Revamped and expanded, the 300-plus seat theatre and new foyer space will make its comeback as part of this weekend’s Slow Food Fleadh.
“The Pavilion Theatre, or the Town Hall as it used to be called, has been here since the 1900s. Over the years, all the big-name theatre companies used to come. All the big names. I know that Eamonn de Valera had a huge rally here at one stage with thousands and thousands of people,’
said Marian O’Callaghan of Lis- doonvarna Failte.
“It was in use up to 1930 and 1940 when it fell into disrepair. A few at- tempts were made to revive it over the years but nothing major hap- pened with it.”
After receiving €1.27 million in funding from then arts minister, Sile de Valera in 2000, big plans were made for the building.
“Work started around September of last year and now it’s just about finished. One of the main purposes of the venue will be as a theatre, the focus will be on the arts first and foremost. We can sit more than 300 people fairly comfortable – we have
a huge stage which has everything that a travelling group could desire,” continued Ms. O’Callaghan.
“We have a special floor so we can have dance and some life music. The Lismorahaun Singers will be using it quite a lot for practice and for re- citals. We have a new entrance and foyer area which can quite easily be used for exhibitions or for smaller musical events and even parties.
“This is going to be an evolving process. We really want to get as much as we can going on here over the next years and develop its usage as much as possible. There is a really strong tradition of arts in the area. We would love to have all the local
groups involved but it will be a com- mercial enterprise and we will be hoping to bring touring groups here from around the country.”
This Sunday, May 25, The Pavilion Theatre will host an evening of sup- per theatre in association with the Meridian Theatre Company and the Slow Food Fleadh.
Tickets, which include drama, food and wine are available from Jordans in Lisdoonvarna at €27 or from 086 2328257.