Saturday last, 21st September, saw the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll together with Minister of State, Colm Burke TD and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, cut the ribbon to officially open The Briery Gap Theatre and Library in Macroom at a cost of €9 million.
The site, which is positioned in the heart of the town, was home to the Palace Cinema for more than 30 years, until it was purchased by Cork County Council in 1987 and underwent a major refurbishment before re-opening as a library, theatre and cinema in 2000. However, the building was closed following a fire in May 2016.
The building’s façade is modern in its design and construction, incorporating natural buff clay bricks, high quality stone and bronze aluminium windows. It consists of a library at ground floor level, a 215-seater auditorium, bar and upgraded backstage support facilities. A state-of-the-art audio-visual system as well as energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems form part of the contemporary theatre and library complex.
Over the coming months, The Briery Gap Theatre will present a range of exciting performances, gigs and films including a Monday night cinema programme.
The theatre programme will offer local drama and professional productions starting with ‘The Dead Letter Office’ by Mary Lou McCarthy on October 18th, while Cork musician John Spillane is one of the highlights of the season.
More information is available on www.brierygap.ie
