Since the 1820s it has been a court, a seat of city government, a cinema, a conference room, dance hall and even a stockade for internees, but next year the old Town Hall building on Court House Square will celebrate 30 years as a thoroughly successful theatre.
Indeed Galway’s Town Hall Theatre is probably the busiest theatre space in the country outside Dublin. When its nearby Black Box performance space is included, it has hosted nearly 3 million visitors over its three decades since its 1996 official opening, presided by the then Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Michael D Higgins, and mayor of the City of Galway, Micheál Ó hUiginn.
This week, the Town Hall Theatre Galway revealed its busiest winter/spring season to date.
It features an outstanding selection of theatre, music, comedy, ballet, film, musicals, and other special events.
From Druid to Dreamboys, from Bingo Loco to the Bay City Rollers, and from Irish National Opera to Imelda May, there are hundreds of performances, screenings, and events to choose from, curated to suit all interests and all ages.
Druid Theatre, Sofia City Ballet, Ye Vagabonds, Rosie O’Donnell, Adam Kay, Mario Rosenstock, Ron Sexsmith, Keith Barry, Irish National Opera, Imelda May, Little John Nee, Seamus O’Rourke and the Bay City Rollers are just some of the big names of the local, national and international entertainment scene featured in the Town Hall’s January to March line-up.
Full details about the new season are published in the theatre’s new season brochure, now available to download at www.tht.ie Tickets for all performances and events are now on sale.
Anniversary spectacular
One of the highlights of the extended programme is a very special concert on Sunday, February 1, to mark the 30th anniversary of the official re-opening of the refurbished Town Hall on February 1, 1996, by Michael D.
For this significant cultural milestone, the Town Hall Theatre will present a special evening of celebration featuring multi folk award nominees The Whileaways and their special guests – and Galway favourites – Mary Coughlan, Leo Moran & Padraig Stevens, and Rita Anne Higgins.
In its thirty years, thousands of acts have played on the Town Hall’s stages. Its continued success is a testament to the creativity and commitment of many artists and arts workers, and to the unwavering support of local and visiting audiences.
Winter/spring season
Film highlights in the new season include the return of Subtitle Film Festival after a six-year absence, and the screening of the critically acclaimed documentary series Mad, Bad and Dangerous.
Classical music is strongly represented with the return of Music for Galway’s annual Midwinter Festival, this year featuring a special celebration of string quartets, quintets, sextets and even an octet.
Theatre highlights include productions by Druid Theatre, with the return of its 5-star production of Macbeth, alongside works by Little John Nee, Hysteria Theatre and Seamus O’Rourke.
Irish National Opera make a welcome return with a superb production of Vixen.
A busy music programme features a host of acts including The Fureys, Finbar Wright, Imelda May, Ron Sexsmith, Aimee Carty, Ye Vagabonds, the Bay City Rollers, Derek Ryan, Patrick Feeney, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Jack L, Johnny Mc Evoy, traditional musician Emer O’Flaherty, and Dr Caren Hession’s Born To Rise Showcase to name but a few.
Other music featured in the programme includes tributes to iconic artists Pink Floyd, Franki Valli, Shania Twain, Luke Kelly, The Carpenters and The Showband Show.
There will be plenty of comedy to choose from with Emma Doran, Aoife Dunne, Mario Rosenstock, Rosie O’Donnell, Jason Byrne, Adam Kay, Neil Delamere, Pat and Faye Shortt, Conal Gallen, Randy Feltface, and many more acts to follow.
Family events include the Renmore Pantomime (with Jack and the Beanstalk ), Joe The Magician and The People’s Theatre. The Sofia City Ballet bring their acclaimed production of Swan Lake and there is a host of other events including Dreamboys, Pyschic Sally, Bingo Loco, and Keith Barry.
Next year’s January to March season also includes productions from Haw Theatre, Bualadh Bos Oranmore, Aisteoiri an Bhailigh Maigh Chuilinn, Moycullen Musical Society, Galway University Musical Society, Colaiste Bhaile Chlair, Trading Faces and an album launch concert by Misneach Orchestra with special guests, Lackagh Comhaltas.
For the full line-up, see the January to March 2026 season brochure or visit www.tht.ie
