The Moat Theatre (Irish: Amharclann an Mhóta)[citation needed] is a theatre and arts centre in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland.

Moat Theatre
Amharclann an Mhóta
Moat Theatre is located in County Kildare
Moat Theatre
Moat Theatre
Location within County Kildare
AddressAbbey Road
LocationNaas, County Kildare, Ireland
Coordinates53°13′07″N 6°39′51″W / 53.218531°N 6.664107°W / 53.218531; -6.664107
Public transitNaas bus stop (opposite post office)
Capacity200
Construction
Opened1963
Expanded11 April 2003
Website
www.moattheatre.com

History

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The theatre is owned by 'The Moat Club', which was formed in 1954 with the intention of providing the Naas area with facilities to be used for dramatic theatre and table tennis. In 1960 the Moat Club purchased the Christian Brothers school and converted the upper rooms into a hall for table tennis. The lower rooms were converted into a 125-seat theatre in 1963, and called The Moat Theatre. It was renovated in the early 2000s, re-opening in 2003 as an accessible, 200-seat studio/black box theatre.[1]

The Moat Club and Moat Theatre derive their names from the ancient motte, a reputed meeting-site of the Kings of Leinster.[1]

Events

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The theatre plays host to local, national and international stage productions, live music and comedy, children's theatre, art exhibitions, classes and workshops.[2]

A country market took up residence in the foyer in February 2019 and is held every Friday morning.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "History of The Moat Theatre". Moattheatre.com. Archived from the original on 20 July 2015.
  2. ^ "New Art Hub for Naas as part of Moat Theatre initiative". Kildarenow.com. 16 January 2019.
  3. ^ "Naas Country Market has new home - at the Moat Theatre". Kildarenow.com. 21 January 2019.
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