Ambassador Theatre reopens as music and comedy venue

The Ambassador Theatre on Parnell Street in Dublin is back open as a music and comedy venue.

As reported by Nialler 9 on Tuesday, a number of upcoming gigs have already been announced for the venue, including Ron Sexsmith on November 6, Rachel Galvo’s The Shite Feminist from December 12 to 14, Willa White on December 20 and 21 and more.

The building, which dates back to 1764, had been largely closed following the Covid pandemic. It had been an exhibition space as well as Dublin’s longest-running cinema until 1999.

From 2001 to 2008, however, the Theatre was already operating as a music venue, with Def Leppard, The Libertines, MötorHead and The Streets just some of the legendary acts to have graced the North Inner city venue down the years.

In January, Dublin City Council refused planning permission for 1.7 metre high railings around the perimeter of the building due to the negative effect it could have on the “special character, setting and appearance” of the historic building.

In June, The Journal reported that An Bord Pleanála had also refused planning permission for a “rebranding” of the Ambassador Theatre, ruling that the introduction of a large signage board above the main entrance door “would have an adverse and injurious visual impact on the dignity, architectural character and setting of this nationally significant Protected Structure.”