Built in 1829, this spot first dazzled Dublin as the Adelphi, until it was demolished and grandly rebuilt in 1844. It reemerged as the Queen’s Royal Theatre, armed with a Royal Patent-meaning, it had the royal stamp of approval for all the brightest acts on stage. Soon, everyone just called it the Queen’s.
Fast forward to the early 20th century, and you'll find the Queen's echoing with the big-hearted chuckles and toe-tapping tunes of the Happy Gang. This brilliant bunch, with Danny Cummins, Jimmy Harvey, Mick Eustace, and Cecil Nash, could entertain with a sketch, belt out a ballad, and probably juggle flaming batons too (though don’t try that at home!).
Yet, the Queen’s wasn’t all feathers and fun. During the War of Independence, a real-life drama unfolded backstage. Picture the darkness of October 14th, 1920. Suddenly, British military forces break into theatre manager Jack Sullivan’s home-picture doors crashing, furniture upended, and papers rustling everywhere. Sullivan, whisked away in his nightclothes, was questioned about Sinn Féin links but, plot twist, neither he nor his actor lodger had any political ties. The incident made headlines, and the poor gas meter in Sullivan’s home never recovered!
Have you ever heard of union drama more colorful than the shows on stage? In 1924, after a new owner stepped in, union leader James Larkin-fresh out of Sing Sing prison, no less-sent picketers marching here. The courts told them to behave, but it certainly added flair to this already lively place.
After a devastating Abbey Theatre fire in 1951, the Queen's gave shelter to Ireland’s greatest actors until 1966. After that, the final curtain fell: the theatre closed in 1969, and a new building, Áras An Phiarsaigh, rose in its place. If these walls could talk, they’d probably ask for an encore-or at least a standing ovation!
So as you stand here, remember: from royal patents to rebel raids, union standoffs to uncontainable laughter, this spot really was Dublin’s stage for the unexpected.
