This weekend's Documentary on Newstalk tells the story of the incredible history of a building situated in Limerick city…
In 1989, Seamus Flynn entered a disused cinema with plans to open a multi-purpose venue. Noticing three large domes on the ceiling, he pondered that the building must have been used for something other than a mere cinema. He was told that it was originally The Limerick Athenaeum and that Houdini had performed there. While he never found Houdini, he did find a building which was part of the cultural fabric of Limerick since the mid 19th century.
In Limerick’s Temple of Culture, producer Ciarán Ryan unravels the story of the building on Upper Cecil Street where figures as diverse as Maud Gonne, John McCormack, Roger Casement, The Prodigy, Boyzone and Brendan O’Carroll all appeared. Those who recall the building as both the Royal Cinema (1947-85) and The Theatre Royal (1989-1997) will reminisce on their experiences of the large theatre, while historical records and expertise will also feature. Hear about how it took thirty years to buy an organ, first trips to the cinema, packed homecoming gigs from The Cranberries, the filming of Fr. Ted, and what happened when a member of a famous hip hop act didn’t make it to the stage!
Amongst those who feature in the 45-minute programme alongside Seamus Flynn are the likes of Noel Hogan from The Cranberries, Stuart Clark of Hot Press, music manager and former Theatre Royal promoter Joe Clarke, Declan McLoughlin of the Limerick Film Archive, historian Dr. Matthew Potter, and many more.
For a city centre without a theatre of such a scale and flexibility now, the documentary will also examine why it has been vacant for almost twenty years and whether or not there is a future for it.
‘Limerick’s Temple of Culture will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Saturday, July 23rd at 7am, with repeat broadcast at 10pm.
BROADCAST DETAILS: ‘Limerick’s Temple of Culture’ is part of the Summer Season of Documentary on Newstalk.
BROADCAST TIMES: ‘Limerick’s Temple of Culture’ will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm this weekend, Saturday 23rd July from 7-8am and repeated at 10-11pm.
'Limerick’s Temple of Culture’ can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.com
PODCAST: Podcast available at: www.newstalk.com/documentaryonnewstalk after the broadcast.
CREDITS: Limerick’s Temple of Culture’ was produced and presented by Ciarán Ryan. Additional Voiceover by Cian O’Siochain.
The project was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme.
