The end of the pier show

Dun Laoghaire's long-planned New Theatre edged more closely into view this week, when its foundation stone was laid on the site of the old Pavilion, opposite the County Hall. Due to open early next year, the purpose-built venue will have a main 360-seat auditorium, with a smaller, flexible studio space. Its programme will include work by professional, amateur and community drama companies, as well as concerts and recitals. The project is funded by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Co Council and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, through the Cultural Development Incentive Scheme. Businessman Tony Barry has just been appointed chairman of the theatre's new board, which will be advertising this week for a general manager.