Theatre of dreams

When the famous flying car from the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang arrives at the Grand Canal Theatre this summer, the developers of this stunning auditorium will congratulate themselves on a job well done. Regarded as the most difficult theatrical performance to stage, the musical is the acid test for any modern theatre building. And it will surely find itself right at home in the world-class surrounds of the iconic new theatre building at Grand Canal Square. With just two months to go before the grand opening on March 18, the Herald enjoyed a sneak preview of what will undoubtedly become a destination theatre for Irish and foreign visitors alike.

Believe us when we say that this red and glass jewel certainly has the wow factor. And despite acts such as the Russian State Ballet and the West End’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang already being lined up, most punters will spend their first visit taking in the style and sophistication of Dublin’s newest cultural landmark. Dubliners are already familiar with the Martha Schwartz-designed landscape art outside, and the red LED sticks which will provide a red carpet for everyone entering the venue.

Now, after three years of work, developers Chartered Land are applying the finishing touches. The theatrical glamour starts at the entrance to the Daniel Liebskind structure, with the glass facade designed to resemble a raised theatre curtain.

The Evening Herald