Olympia Theatre
The Olympia Theatre, a prominent concert hall and theatre venue located on Dame Street in Dublin, has a storied history that intertwines with the city’s cultural and architectural evolution. Originally opened in 1879 as The Star of Erin Music Hall, the venue was the vision of Dan Lowrey, a notable figure in the burgeoning music hall theatre scene in the UK. Lowrey aimed to introduce this popular form of entertainment to Dublin, and his ambitious project marked a new chapter in the city’s entertainment history.
The venue’s location, however, presented unique challenges. Built over a branch of the River Poddle, the theatre’s design had to accommodate the river flowing directly beneath it. This necessitated a distinctive feature of the theatre: patrons entered the auditorium through a tunnel that passed under the stage, a compromise necessitated by the river’s presence.
Over the years, the theatre underwent several name changes and refurbishments. It was rebranded as Dan Lowrey’s Music Hall in 1881, and later as Dan Lowrey’s Palace of Varieties in 1889. By 1897, after significant renovations, it became The Empire Palace. This new identity reflected a shift from music hall performances to a broader range of theatrical productions. Despite its evolving roles and names, the theatre remained a central cultural landmark in Dublin, surviving various historical upheavals, including the Great War and the Irish War of Independence.
In 1923, the venue was renamed The Olympia Theatre, a name it retains today, albeit with recent sponsorship branding as 3Olympia Theatre. The theatre’s role expanded to include drama, opera, ballet, and film, becoming a versatile cultural hub in Dublin. The building’s historical significance was underscored during the War of Independence, when the River Poddle, running beneath the theatre, was considered as a potential escape route by Michael Collins’s men, though there is no evidence it was used.
The Olympia Theatre faced significant challenges in the late 20th century. In 1974, a catastrophic structural failure occurred when parts of the proscenium arch and ceiling collapsed during a rehearsal, leading to the theatre’s closure. This incident led to a major restoration effort, with Dublin City Council playing a crucial role in the preservation and reopening of the venue in 1977. The restoration was a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving this cultural landmark.
The building continued to face challenges, including damage from a truck accident in 2004 and a significant refurbishment in 2016, which involved a complete overhaul of the venue at a cost of over €4 million while keeping the theatre operational.
Throughout its history, the Olympia has hosted a myriad of performances and events, from early music hall acts to contemporary international stars. Notable performances include those by Charlie Chaplin, David Bowie, and Adele, among others. The theatre has also been a venue for significant cultural recordings and events, such as Tom Waits’s live album and a number of film shoots.
Despite the changing times and challenges, the Olympia Theatre remains a cornerstone of Dublin’s cultural heritage, its history deeply entwined with the River Poddle that flows beneath its foundations
Association with Poddle
The River Poddle flows beneath the Olympia Theatre, a unique feature that has influenced the venue’s design. Constructed over this hidden river, the theatre required a special entrance through a tunnel under the stage. The Poddle’s presence has been a notable aspect of the theatre’s history, with its subterranean path considered during significant historical events. Despite various renovations and challenges, including structural damage, the Olympia’s connection to the Poddle remains a distinctive element of its identity and heritage.
What the Newspapers Say
- Many of the news articles are not specifically about the Olympia but just state that the Poddle flows underneath it.
- In 1971, Dublin Corporation rejected a development plan for the Olympia Theatre site due to concerns that the proposed construction would interfere with two branches of the River Poddle running through culverts beneath the theatre. The levels of these culverts were found to be higher than the proposed basement floors, raising concerns about potential flooding. Additionally, the plan was deemed inconsistent with preservation goals for the Olympia as a cultural landmark, and it did not meet requirements for ventilation, fire safety, and traffic management. The developers planned to appeal the decision.
- A 1975 article states, the Olympia Theatre in Dublin has a unique feature: the River Poddle runs beneath its stage. The Poddle, which flows from Tallaght to the Liffey, passes under landmarks including the Olympia. A manhole in the theatre leads to the river, which extends to Harold’s Cross. During the War of Independence, the Poddle was considered as a possible escape route by Michael Collins’s men, though there’s no evidence it was used. Despite the theatre’s recent damage and financial challenges, there is strong support for its restoration, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
- Dan Lowry’s music hall, now known as the Olympia Theatre, was built over the River Poddle, which runs beneath the theatre. Lowry’s ambition to have an entrance on Dame Street and reposition the stage was hindered by the river. Consequently, patrons enter the auditorium through a tunnel under the stage. The theatre, reopened in 1897, features ornate Victorian design and remains a cornerstone of Dublin’s cultural heritage. Among its notable early figures was Barney Armstrong, who introduced the celebrated actress Madge Clifden to Dublin’s stage.