Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – the state of the art Dublin theatre designed by the world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind – today celebrates its sixth birthday! Situated in the heart of Dublin’s Grand Canal Square, since it opened in 2010, the theatre – which is run by Live Nation – has set itself the mission of bringing the best possible theatrical experiences to Ireland, in a bespoke and unique setting.

"From Broadway and West End shows, dance, opera, music and drama to special one of a kind events, all manner of productions have graced our stage,” a spokesperson said. "It has been an incredible six years and the theatre has enjoyed enormous success, firmly establishing itself as Ireland’s best loved theatre!”

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre commenced building in January 2007 and the curtain rose for its inaugural performance on March 18th 2010, with The Russian State Ballet featuring stars from the Bolshoi performing Swan Lake. Since then the theatre has hosted an array of theatrical performances, many of which would not have been possible to stage in Ireland before.

Over the six years, the theatre has welcomed just over three million people through its doors. In that time, audiences have managed to munch their way through over 250,000 boxes of popcorn and over 500,000 ice creams! Over 250 productions have graced the stage. The total number of performances is a staggering 2,200 to date.

"We are delighted to report that we have had over three million people through our doors in the last six years,” Stephen Falloon, general manager of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre said, "and we expect another 500,000 visitors this year alone, as we continue to welcome even more brilliant theatrical experiences. This year some very special highlights include Wide Open Opera’s The Barber of Seville, Chicago, the Irish premiere season of Billy Elliot and The Commitments."

Among the highlights have been West End and Broadway smash hits Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dirty Dancing, Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera and Oliver!, Sister Act, Grease, War Horse, Wicked, The Lion King, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Bodyguard, Mamma Mia and the European premiere of Elf, The Musical.

The Bord Gais Energy Theatre has also showcased special events like the Amnesty International tribute concert to Burmese Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as the world premiere of Heartbeat of Home and the now annual Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards as well as acclaimed creative conferences OffSet and TEDX Dublin.

Other highlights have included the Irish musicals Anglo The Musical, Alone it Stands, and Gift Grub; world class ballet and opera; and a steady stream of Irish and International musicians, including Bon Iver, Janet Jackson, Christy Moore, Damien Rice (pictured), Aimee Mann, The Waterboys, Josh Groban, Norah Jones, and Jools Holland; and some of the biggest names in comedy, including Bill Bailey, and special performances from Derren Brown and Chris Hadfield.

“It is with great pride we celebrate our sixth birthday,” Stephen Falloon added, “ We would like to thank all the theatregoers for their continued support over the last six years. We are so excited about the future of the theatre – and most of all, we look forward to building on our success and welcoming more massive shows that Irish people once had to travel to see. Keep your eyes peeled for some BIG announcements coming soon!"