- Olympia Theatre, Dublin
The Olympia Theatre is a concert hall in
Dublin, Ireland , located in Dame Street.History
Built in
1879 , it was originally called the "Star of Erin Music Hall". Two years later in1881 , it was renamed "Dan Lowrey's Music Hall" and was renamed again in 1889 to "Dan Lowrey's Palace of Varieties". In February of 1897 it was closed down and completely rebuilt. When it reopened in November of the same year it was called the "Empire Palace Theatre". The Theatre was eventually renamed The Olympia Theatre. It ran successfully for many years up to November 1974 when it was forced to close following major structural damage (during a break in rehearsals for a production of West Side Story parts of the proscenium arch and the ceiling above collapsed). The possibility of demolishing the building was considered by the local Council and the owners, however a restoration fund was begun and City Councillors eventually placed a preservation order on the theatre. The theatre was restored and redecorated, allowing it to reopen on 14 March 1977 [cite web|url=http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Dublin.htm#star|title="Theatres, Halls and Related Articles for Dublin, Ireland"|accessdate=2008-08-07] .Current Usage
In recent years the Olympia Theatre has been the venue for musicals, comedy shows, theatre and concerts by a diverse range of artists. Well known contemporary artists that have performed in the Olympia Theatre include
INXS ,The Waterboys ,Fun Lovin' Criminals ,Johnny Cash ,Paddy Casey ,Arcade Fire ,Ryan Adams ,Kraftwerk , Aslan,The Black Crowes ,Lou Reed ,The Frames ,Happy Mondays ,The Strokes ,Ocean Colour Scene ,Ian Brown , Paul Weller,Sonic Youth ,Morrissey ,Yazoo (band) andJames . A notable series of concerts was R.E.M.'s choice to play in 2007 a five-night "live rehearsal" in the Olympia Theatre to showcase new material.ee also
*
List of concert halls External links
* [http://www.ticketmaster.ie/venue/198239 Guide to the Olympia venue on Ticketmaster]
* [http://www.cluas.com/venues/olympia-theatre-dublin/ Reviews of various concerts in the Olympia Theatre, Dublin]
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