Today at 1pm, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen, will perform the 'topping out' ceremony for the new €6 million wing at the Gate, as part of the Theatre's 80th birthday celebrations.

The Gate, which is located in the beautiful 18th Century building on the grounds of the Rotunda Hospital on Parnell Square, commenced building in 2007, in order to overcome the many practical difficulties experienced at the Theatre, and also to encourage greater involvement within the community.

Architects, Scott Talon Walker, evolved an inspired plan, which included the Gate Theatre Laboratory. This flexible space, the same size as the Gate stage, was designed to be used both as a rehearsal space and as a laboratory space. The over-riding principle is the development of talent, allowing directors, designers, writers and actors to work together in a co-ordinated and structured fashion, enabling them to train, develop and grow as practitioners and, through contact with each other, foster relationships that will enrich their careers. The entire ethos of the project is developmental with benefits not only for the Gate, but for the sector as a whole.The extension will also give the Gate office space, a workshop area, a rehearsal room, a theatre archive, and an expanded box office. This new development will help ensure the Gate continues to flourish as an internationally renowned hub of creative endeavour for decades to come.

The new wing is due for completion in October and it is hoped to have the official opening to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Gate.

For further information please contact Nuala Kavanagh at 01 8744368 / Mobile: 086 8711967. Email: nuala.kavanagh@gate-theatre.ie