Moat Theatre
The Moat Theatre (Irish: Amharclann an Mhóta) is a theatre and arts centre in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland.
Amharclann an Mhóta | |
 | |
  Moat Theatre Location within Ireland | |
| Address | Abbey Road |
|---|---|
| Location | Naas, County Kildare, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53.218531°N 6.664107°W |
| Public transit | Naas bus stop (opposite post office) |
| Capacity | 200 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1963 |
| Expanded | 11 April 2003 |
| Website | |
| www | |
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]
References
- "History of The Moat Theatre". Moattheatre.com. Archived from the original on 20 July 2015.
- "New Art Hub for Naas as part of Moat Theatre initiative". Kildarenow.com. 16 January 2019.
- "Naas Country Market has new home - at the Moat Theatre". Kildarenow.com. 21 January 2019.