Dublin’s Abbey Theatre to relocate temporarily

The auditorium in Dublin’s Abbey Theatre is to close for nine weeks, from 17 July, to allow for the removal of asbestos discovered during a health and safety inspection in January.

A production of Sean O’Casey’s “The Plough and the Stars” will now be staged at the O’Reilly Theatre on nearby Great Denmark Street from 26 July - 15 September while the asbestos is removed.

The Abbey said it has telephoned patrons who booked tickets for the O’Casey play, but those with queries are asked to visit www.abbeytheatre.ie or call the box office, tel. 018787222.

Since the discovery, specialists have carried out weekly air quality tests at the national theatre, which decided to remove the asbestos for the long-term safety of its staff.

Other sections of the theatre including the box office will remain open for business during the period.

The auditorium is due to re-open on 15 September in time for this year’s Dublin Theatre Festival, scheduled from 27 September - 14 October.