Keith Williams Architects has been appointed to work on the design of a new opera house for the world famous Irish opera festival in Wexford in a far reaching €30 million rebuilding programme. The practice will work in association with the architectural team at the Office of Public Works in Dublin.

Keith Williams

Founded in 1951, the autumn annual festival has become a key event in the international opera diary. It has built a reputation for unrivalled excellence, and has become a proving ground for operatic stars of the future. The existing Theatre Royal which dates from 1832, has been much altered, but is now in such poor condition that is has no viable future, and without major intervention and investment, the existence of the entire festival is under threat. The €30 million project, which received final ministerial funding approval in December, is scheduled to start on site in summer 2006, and will be finished in time for the autumn season 2008.

The new building has been conceived as a secret opera house, nestling into the backlands within Wexford's Medieval street pattern. It will be constructed on the site of the current theatre, thereby remaining in the heart of the community, and through careful design the new theatre will retain the historic streetscene setting.

The new Opera House will have a 750 seat state of the art auditorium specifically designed for opera, (a 36 percent increase on the current capacity of 550 seats). The new auditorium will also have adjustable configuration to a smaller capacity of 430 for out of season shows. Though focussed on the autumn festival, the new building will also be able to operate as a year round arts venue for both additional Wexford Festival productions and visiting productions.

Other facilities in the new 7,000 sqm theatre will include: a 150 seat second space for drama, music, rehearsal and cinema; Foyer/box office/cloaks; Bars and Café and Hospitality Areas; Front of House Staff facilities; Enhanced backstage facilities for directors, conductors, designers and singers; Chorus Rehearsal Rooms; and Dressing rooms and Prop Making areas.

Keith Williams Architects have worked previously in Ireland designing the award winning Athlone Civic Offices and public square. Recent projects in the UK include the Unicorn Theatre in London.