Smock Alley on Hold

The Stage reports that the €7.2 million plan by the Gaiety School of Acting to redevelop the Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar, Dublin has been stalled by planning objections.

According to the local resident, there is concern about the noise that a theatre in the area would generate, particularly as it would include a bar. Damien Cassidy, of the Irish Heritage and Conservation Group, said he was objecting because he felt it would be more in keeping with the original architecture of the area if a church, which had occupied part of the half-acre site, was restored, rather than the theatre. It was a "totally unsuitable" venue for a theatre, he claimed.

The Gaiety School's ambitious plans include a 220-seat theatre, plus a 110-seat studio space and seven rehearsal/training studios. Fund-raising is on target for the project, which has been described as "inspirational" by Irish Hollywood star Liam Neeson, one of the acting school's patrons.

In a message to school director Partrick Sutton, he wrote: "I am particularly excited about this project. For the school to rebuild a theatre on the site of the original 1662 Smock Alley is inspirational. For it to be a resource for the theatre community as a whole is an added bonus. "