Bord Gáis theatre records strong growth in turnover and profits

Big productions of Wicked, Matilda, Les Misérables and Swan Lake helped the company that owns the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin's south Docklands to record strong growth in turnover and profits last year.

Latest accounts for Crownway Entertainment Ltd show that turnover rose by 21 per cent to €10.2 million in 2018. Tickets sales rose by 17 per cent to €7.6 million while food and beverage income increased to €2.6 million from €1.9 million a year earlier.

The company’s pretax profit rose to €878,000 last year from €168,000 previously, while its tax charge for the 12-month period increased to €267,398. Crownway recorded Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of €2.5 million, up from €1.7 million in 2017, and closed the year with €2.9 million in cash.

Shareholders’ equity at the end of December 2018 stood at €12.3 million, up from €11.7 million a year earlier.

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The accounts also show that a repayment of €1.2 million was made to its parent entity, Crownway GC Limited, in respect of a €29.1 million non-interest bearing loan used to fund the acquisition of the theatre.

The average number of employees during the year rose by three to 40 while its total payroll costs increased by 7.5 per cent to €1.74 million. The company's directors did not receive any remuneration during the year, with the exception of Trevor Bowen who was paid €50,000.

More than 500,000 people attended shows at the theatre last year, which was in line with 2017.

Crownway

It is understood that the trading momentum from 2018 has carried into the current financial year with bookings for shows such as Mamma Mia, Warhorse and Phantom of the Opera performing well.

Crownway is a private family investment company owned by husband-and-wife team John and Bernie Gallagher, a daughter of the late hotelier PV Doyle. It acquired the theatre in 2014 for €29.1 million, and purchased the freehold on the property from Dublin City Council in 2017.

Entrepreneur Harry Crosbie opened the theatre in 2010 but lost control of the property after his loans were transferred to Nama.

Global music events and venue operator Live Nation operates the 2,111-seat venue and Bord Gáis Energy holds the naming rights until 2026. More than 500 productions have graced the stage, raising the curtain on an estimated 3,436 performances.

Swan Lake has returned to the theatre for a short run this week. Other productions lined up for later this year include We Will Rock You, 9 to 5 The Musical, The Snowman Christmas Special and Mama Mia, the hit show based on songs by Swedish group Abba.