Retreat House Most Suitable Site For New Theatre

Sligo Drama Circle are not unduly worried about recent objections to the proposed new tourism centre which is to incorporate a modern day theatre. “Planning permission has already been granted”, said Mr. Liam Mc Kinney, President of the Drama Circle, “and while I respect the right of people to object, I don’t think anyone could suggest a more suitable location”. At a recent Corporation meeting two councillors objected to the tourism centre (the first of its kind in the country) being built in the grounds of the Retreat House which they say would have made an ideal public park for the people of Sligo. This piece of land was made available to the Drama Circle by the Bishop of Elphin, Most Rev. Dr. Conway. Another reason for the objections given by Councillor Eugene Henry is that he believes the building would be a steel fabricated structure which wouldn’t fit in with the other buildings of “high architectural value in the area”. Mr. Mc Kinney, however, denies this saying that the architectural standard of the new building is high.

The Drama Circle are looking forward to having better facilities in town as the absence of a comfortable theatre has been a big drawback to date. “Can you imagine anyone wanting to leave the comfort of their own sitting rooms to sit on hard chairs in a hall where there is no heating?” asks Mr. Mc Kinney. And while he is not criticising the Town Hall which “wasn’t built to be a theatre”, Mr. Mc Kinney does feel that there would be a big improvement in audiences if more comfortable facilities were provided. There is no doubt in Mr. Mc Kinney’s mind as to whether Sligo can support a theatre. “There is no question about it”, he says. “We have a great tradition of drama in this town”. Apart from the fact that audiences will be more inclined to support productions in a modern theatre, there would be other advantages.

“Adaptability would be one of the main advantages”, says Liam. “We could do some experimental theatre which we wouldn’t dare do now. We could also become more involved in youth theatre. The equipment and the lighting systems would also be a great blessing. Although the audience never think of these things, it is no fun dragging a five ton set up two flights of stairs”. Some people with no interest in drama might argue that there isn’t enough interest to warrant the cost of a theatre in Sligo but says Liam: “Admittedly, audiences are very peculiar. While there is a massive interest in musicals and light entertainment – “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Boyfriend” were sellouts – legitimate theatre is not as popular. However, we do have a steady audience who come consistently to the more serious productions”.Again, Liam says that the reason serious drama isn’t as popular is that “the mind will take only what the arse will endure”, in other words people can’t concentrate on these plays unless they are in comfortable surroundings.

The Sligo Drama Circle was founded in ’56 and their last production “The Boyfriend” was their 90th production. They won the All-Ireland Drama Finals in 1970 with their production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” and they have come second six times, and third twice, in this competition. They will be the first drama group in Ireland to assume responsibility of an indigenous theatre and as Liam says: “This theatre group will be to the North-West what the Abbey was to Ireland”.

from The Western Journal, by Marese Mc Donagh, February 15th, 1980