FAQ

The Whale Theatre Company new theatre management is currently in transition to taking over full operation of the Whale Theatre. Below is a sampling of frequently asked questions for your information. If your question is not addressed or you would like further information, please contact info@whaletheatreco.ie.

The Whale Theatre Company (CLG) is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation (Charitable Status pending) established by the Whale Working Group (WWG) in April 2025. Our proposal won the bid to take over management of the Whale Theatre from owner, Ross McParland. Our board comprises of members from the community and community organisations (Making Waves Youth Theatre and Greystones Players) whose vision is to develop the Whale’s potential as an accessible community arts hub for all in the locality and maintain it as an entertainment events amenity with the support of the community.

The Whale Theatre’s continued presence and survival as a theatre and arts hub will rely on the practical good will and financial support of the community. While our theatre-generated income will play a part, community support will be essential. Along with our voluntary Board who will actively support and guide the Artistic Director/Manager and an administrator, the Whale Theatre Company will seek funding through fundraising, donations, subscriptions and sponsorship from individuals, community organisations and businesses.

We are currently in the process of applying for Charitable Status which will also enhance our potential for sponsorship, public funding and other available grants. As a non-profit organisation (registered charity) we are inviting our loyal audience, friends and friends-to-be to help us realise our vision for the Whale as a vibrant creative hub with community and the arts at its heart. Your support is invaluable to us in offering access to all people - community groups, artists, dancers, musicians, singers, writers and dreamers.

The Whale will reopen late September 2025. If you’d like to be among the first to see our opening season of programming, please subscribe to our first newsletter here.

Live entertainment events including music, comedy and drama will continue regularly on Friday and Saturday nights. There will be some additional weekday, Sunday and evening events, including Cinema Nights and Youth Film Club, and other, more one-off bespoke events.

We look forward to growing an exciting range of opportunities for teenagers in the locality and its environs, including a weekly music hub, band mentoring, film workshops and screenings and other arts related and creative activities.

Yes! We look forward to developing and offering regular activities for the more mature members in the community, including film, lunchtime concerts, music and workshops.

Yes! Entertainment nights will still include the Whale’s legendary bar hospitality.

Yes! We plan to continue monthly film nights (with popcorn!) and to begin a regular youth film club night for and curated by teenagers.

While the Whale Theatre Company is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation (Charitable Status pending), we will be dependent on a combination of theatre-generated income, fundraising, subscriptions, donations and sponsorship. We will make every endeavour to accommodate community organisations but there will be a minimum charge for theatre usage/hire. Community group hire rates are available on request. To make an enquiry please email info@whaletheatreco.ie

Commercial hire rates and community group hire rates are available on request. To make an enquiry please email info@whaletheatreco.ie

There is a minimum hire period for the theatre space of three hours, eg. Morning, afternoon or evening. Bespoke full day hire enquiries will also be considered. Occasional one-off shorter period hires may be considered depending on usage description, space availability and time of day. Please email your enquiries to info@whaletheatreco.ie

For any enquiries regarding space availability, please contact info@whaletheatreco.ie

We will have a number of activities planned throughout the weekdays, including workshops, drama rehearsals, youth music activities, arts to health and other arts related activities. Some will be for existing community groups who have open membership, others will be private hire for arts related activities. If you wish to be informed of activities, events or workshops, please subscribe to our monthly newsletters here.

The Whale Theatre Company is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation (with Charitable Status pending). If you are interested in employment in the Whale Theatre, please contact info@whaletheatreco.ie and include your area of interest, expertise and experience.

The Whale Theatre Company is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation (Charitable Status pending). We welcome individuals from the community who would like to get involved. Please contact info@whaletheatreco.ie and include your area of interest, expertise (if any) and experience.

For booking/hiring enquires please contact our Manager/Artistic Director Ailbhe Skay ailbhe@whaletheatreco.ie

Yes! The Whale Theatre Management look forward to continuing the wonderfully diverse entertainment events on Friday and Saturday nights. You can look forward to great music gigs, comedy and drama beginning again late September. If you wish to subscribe to our newsletter with news of our entertainment events and other offerings, please click here.