We invite you to take some time to read through the Abbey Theatre 2019 Annual Review – 2019 saw an exceptionally busy programme, with over 420 performances on our stages and 9 shows touring nationally and internationally. We are very proud of the advancements the organisation made over the course of the year, particularly with our progress on the Abbey Theatre’s 5 Year Strategy, the approval to move to the next stage of appraisal for a future site-redevelopment and the robust dialogue that took place with a cross section of members of the theatre community.

As we finished 2019 with a reimagined piece from the Irish canon at Christmas, never could we have imagined what the new year would bring for our industry. COVID 19 has had a devastating impact on theatre and on the Arts in general. With our reimagined extraordinary programme for 2020, we are using this time to continue to employ artists and develop our practice by experimenting with form and working in new ways.

Whether through a screen to 220,000 people with Dear Ireland or with a live socially-distanced performance for a small audience, we remain committed to bringing the work of Ireland’s artists to the nation. This is the Abbey Theatre’s core function and great art will prevail.

Graham McLaren and Neil Murray

Directors and CEOs of the Abbey Theatre