Moat Theatre Explained

Moat Theatre
Native Name:Amharclann an Mhóta
Native Name Lang:ga
Logo Image:File:Moat_Theatre.jpg
Pushpin Map:Ireland County Kildare
Address:Abbey Road
Location:Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
Coordinates:53.2185°N -6.6641°W
Opened:1963
Expanded:11 April 2003
Capacity:200
Publictransit:Naas bus stop (opposite post office)

The Moat Theatre (Irish: Amharclann an Mhóta) is a theatre and arts centre in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland.

History

The theatre is owned by 'The Moat Club', which was formed in 1954 with the intention of providing the Naas area with facilities to be used for dramatic theatre and table tennis. In 1960 the Moat Club purchased the Christian Brothers school and converted the upper rooms into a hall for table tennis. The lower rooms were converted into a 125-seat theatre in 1963, and called The Moat Theatre. It was renovated in the early 2000s, re-opening in 2003 as an accessible, 200-seat studio/black box theatre.[1]

The Moat Club and Moat Theatre derive their names from the ancient motte, a reputed meeting-site of the Kings of Leinster.[1]

Events

The theatre plays host to local, national and international stage productions, live music and comedy, children's theatre, art exhibitions, classes and workshops.[2]

A country market took up residence in the foyer in February 2019 and is held every Friday morning.[3]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: History of The Moat Theatre. Moattheatre.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20150720085627/http://www.moattheatre.com/History.aspx . 20 July 2015 .
  2. Web site: New Art Hub for Naas as part of Moat Theatre initiative . Kildarenow.com . 16 January 2019 .
  3. Web site: Naas Country Market has new home - at the Moat Theatre . Kildarenow.com . 21 January 2019 .