SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Whale Theatre Owner Announces Retirement, Seeks New Interested Parties for Greystones Cultural Hub

After 10 years of ownership, Ross McParland, founder and owner of the Whale Theatre, has announced that he will retire in the summer of 2025, leaving the door of the Whale Theatre open for new, fresh and exciting ideas to continue the venue’s legacy as a thriving arts hub in Greystones.

Since opening in 2017, the Whale Theatre has become Greystones’ premier cultural venue, hosting over 1,200 events and welcoming more than 100,000 visitors. The intimate setting has showcased a diverse range of performances, from music and comedy to theatre productions and film screenings. The Whale Theatre has hosted some of the biggest names in Ireland’s arts scene, while also serving as a home for local community groups and a range of different projects.

Ross McParland is not seeking to sell the venue to the highest bidder but is inviting proposals from arts organisations, cultural groups, social enterprises, entrepreneurs, and government agencies who share his passion for the arts and community engagement. “It is time for me to pass the torch, and I truly hope that the venue, in whatever form, continues to be an important destination for artistic, cultural and community activities, Since we officially opened in 2017, I’ve loved every minute of it, and this announcement presents a unique opportunity for the local community to play a role in keeping the spirit of the Whale Theatre alive” said McParland.

McParland is open to offering leasing arrangements for the right proposal. A formal application process will ensure the best possible outcome for the venue’s sustainable future. “We’re looking for the right fit for Greystones, and I would happily offer a very attractive leasing arrangement for the right proposal. All applications will be assessed by a small panel of trusted advisors, and a formal application process will be followed to make sure we find the best possible outcome which has the potential to be sustainable in the long-term.”

Ross McParland is clear on one specific condition that will apply with no commercial activity to take place at the theatre after midnight. “I have included a specific condition for any new agreement – that no commercial activity will be allowed to take place after midnight, no late bar or nightclub. The wish is for the venue to remain as a hub to foster the arts and I am prepared to offer attractive terms to any party with this core vision” said McParland.

Gratefully acknowledging the enormous support that the venture has received during its lifespan, McParland said “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported The Whale Theatre since we opened in 2017, including our amazing staff, volunteers, incredible performers and of course the thousands of audience members who have attended our events. I have had the honour of working with some truly incredible people, and without the amazing team that we have here, none of this would have been possible. I wish to thank our core team Brian, Lisa, Nikki, Pete, Keah and Paul for their years of hard work, and for making this dream a reality. I also want to thank Dave, Charlie, our long-standing volunteers and everyone who has worked in our hospitality team over the years.”

Located in the centre of Greystones, The Whale Theatre offers:

• 400m2 of state-of-the-art space
• Advanced sound, lighting, and multi-media equipment
• Full bar setup and commercial kitchen

The Whale Theatre is just one part of McParland’s award-winning Theatre Lane complex, which also houses the Little Stars on the Lane crèche, and three stunning duplex loft apartments, as well as other commercial units. Mr McParland purchased the unfinished site in 2015, and oversaw its remarkable transformation over the last 10 years.

Prior to opening the Whale Theatre, Mr McParland had a successful career as an estate agent with his own company, which was subsequently acquired by Sherry FitzGerald. He retired early as a property advisor and opened the theatre with no prior experience. Having managed the venue himself for the first two years, McParland appointed Brian O’ Regan as Artistic Director in 2020, and the pair have worked closely together over the past 5 years to successfully realise the full potential of the Whale Theatre. Brian O’ Regan will continue to work closely with McParland until the transition is complete. The theatre will maintain its full artistic programme through May 2025.

Application forms with further information about the callout process are available below.

Whale Theatre Open Call – Application Form