Civic’s Triumphant Return: With smorgasbord of lively and entertaining events

The Civic Theatre’s first official Season in more than two years was recently launched, marking a triumphant return to form for the local arts venue.

The shows that will be held at the Civic in the coming weeks and months are a veritable smorgasbord of lively and entertaining events.

For children, the annual Civic panto will be returning to the theatre’s stage in December, while plays in genres such as comedy and drama, with sprinklings of live music performances, will be held in the venue so there’s something for people of all ages and interests.

A particular highlight of this Season at the Civic is the world premiere of ‘Dinner with Groucho’ by Frank McGuiness, with performances from September 22 to October 1.

Niamh Honer, marketing and audience development manager at the Civic, told The Echo about the excitement in the theatre about the new Season launch, and enthused about the variety of shows that will be brought to the Civic Theatre stage in the coming weeks and months.

What has the atmosphere been like among staff and patrons of the Civic with the launch of the new Season?

This is our first official Season since the end of 2019. While we had events since then, both online and in-person, the stop/start was challenging. We went online, we went outdoors, but nothing can beat that feeling of curtain up on the main stage! Since we fully reopened in February we have been bowled over by the support. Many of our events have been sell-outs. All of our volunteer ushers have returned – that is some testament to the camaraderie at the Civic, and we are so excited to have the buzz around the building again.

What have the last two years during the pandemic been like for the Civic?

Our funding and support from the Arts Council and South Dublin County Council has been unwavering. This, in turn, means we can support artists in the creation of their work. This has happened right through the pandemic – even when it looked like not much was happening. Our artists have had time to develop ideas they may not have had the space to do before. Matt Szereck has created a virtual reality dance piece which he then workshopped with children and created TikToks. This has now been funded to create a full show, based on the ideas generated during COVID.

What role do you think local theatres like the Civic play in the local community?

We offer something to look forward to, a place to escape, to question, to enjoy and to be entertained. We really see ourselves as a place of possibility in the heart of Tallaght. From great nights out with drama, music, comedy, but also all of the outreach, development and workshops that we do. Our Youth Theatre, our panto. We are passionate about offering lots of opportunities to the people of Tallaght and beyond.

The new Season has a varied mix of shows applicable to people of all manner of interests. Why is it important that the shows that are on in the Civic appeal to some many different interests?

We are more than a theatre – we hope to offer memorable experiences. We want to reflect the people in our community and what they want and offer them things that they want to engage with, enjoy and remember! From post-show talks to events for children with complex needs, and our Tenderfoot programme for Transition Year students, we really have lots to be proud of.

Are there any shows in the new Season that you are particularly excited by?

We have world-class drama, music, comedy, and of course to cap it all off, our ever-popular local panto will be back on stage for the first time since 2019. Among the many other treats, we are thrilled to be presenting the world premiere of ‘Dinner with Groucho’ by internationally acclaimed Irish writer Frank McGuinness, produced by b*spoke theatre, as well as the premiere of ‘No Magic Pill’, which champions the work of Irish artists with disabilities, not to mention the rollicking good fun of ‘Looking at the Sun’ by our very own resident company AboutFACE, which promises laughs aplenty and a beach party atmosphere that’s second to none.

Overall, how would you describe the upcoming season at the Civic?

Busy, with something for everyone. And with new artistic director Donal Shiels joining in October, there will be lots more exciting new programming ahead! Oh, and did I mention over 50 panto shows starting on December 7? That’s always mad busy at that time of year, but very rewarding to see all of the families with smiles on their faces. It’s been three years now since the last panto, so everyone is hyper. So as we always say, ‘Come on into the Civic…..’

For more information, visit the Civic Theatre website at civictheatre.