FOLLOWING the re-opening of its Artillery Street site earlier this year, The Playhouse has continued to attract attention both nationally and internationally.
Already the recipient of a major architectural award and with its first patron - the internationally acclaimed Londonderry-born actress Bronagh Gallagher, in place - The Playhouse has started to cast its net further and wider.
And what a catch it’
s been, reaching as far as Hollywood to bring in an unusual suspect in the form of Irish acting legend Gabriel Byrne.
Star of Miller’s Crossing, The Man in The Iron Mask, Into the West, Assault on Precinct 13 and, of course, The Usual Suspects, Gabriel Byrne is one of Ireland’s finest acting exports and a man who has always had a deep love and appreciation for theatre having worked in Dublin’s Focus and Abbey Theatres as well as with the Royal Court and Royal National Theatres in London.
In a recent quote the star said: “Every village, every city, needs a theatre.
“It’s not just a building, it’s about being exposed to new ideas.
“Theatre changes the way we view society and connects us to global ideas. Theatre is seriously important for who we are.”
As a patron of the Playhouse, Gabriel is helping to support one of the most vibrant arts centres in the whole of Ireland, one which is closely linked to the artistic and cultural life of the city and has always been proud of its grass-roots work.
Since it first opened its doors in 1992 The Playhouse has served every aspect of the community from professional and amateur theatre companies, community groups, young people to adult education and many, many more.
With the refurbishment of its Artillery Street premises, the Playhouse continues to go from strength to strength, thinking and acting locally, nationally and globally.
