Madam, - I would like to clarify a number of matters raised in the letter concerning the Gaiety Theatre from Fergus Sheil (September 6th). Firstly, I feel that this letter is a harsh criticism of the Gaiety Theatre, its operations and its patrons. Mr Sheil fails to understand the operation of the theatre; the fact that the Gaiety Theatre is a Victorian theatre which is a protected structure many aspects of which cannot be altered due to the layout and the protected nature of the structure.
The purpose of the €7.5 million grant aid awarded by the Department of Arts and Culture to the theatre in 2006 and the €2 million contribution by the owners was to deal with inadequate production facilities within the theatre.
Presentation of opera was high on the agenda in preparing the design for the refurbishment of the stage.
There was a major deficit in the orchestral accommodation (the pit) and the production facilities backstage for opera. The scheme just recently completed addressed these issues, in particular the increased size of the orchestra pit providing additional accommodation for musicians and improved acoustics. Opera Ireland in their 2007 autumn season will be presenting Puccini's Turandotfor the first time since 1985 as a direct result of the works to the orchestra pit.
Mr Sheil's comment that sound-proofing between the front of house and auditorium is virtually non-existent is not true.
There are double sets of doors (fire rated) at all levels between the bars and auditorium. Fire doors by their nature are robust in construction and act as a good sound barrier.
In regard to his comments in relation to the seating at the Gaiety Theatre, the "clunky and noisy" seats he refers to were replaced in 2003 with a more comfortable seat with its moving parts being made in plastic. In regard to the policy for the seating of latecomers, this is determined by the visiting company and not the theatre.
I think that Mr Sheil is being disingenuous in his letter. He fails to highlight the benefits that have accrued to opera and the Gaiety as a result of the refurbishment works.
He also fails to understand that the Gaiety Theatre is not a subsidised venue but a commercial operation.
We must provide ancillary services to the public at competitive prices in order to be viable.
I would like to invite Mr Sheil to visit the theatre and have a tour of the improvements for himself, as most of the refurbishment works are out of sight to the public.
- Yours, etc,
JOHN COSTIGAN, Managing Director, The Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin 2.