Gaiety Theatre overhaul.

Landmark Dublin venue, the Gaiety Theatre in South King Street, has been granted a further 2.5 million in government funding for a massive overhaul which is to begin early in 2007. The latest grant brings the total funding for the project to 9.5 million, which includes a previous grant of 5 million plus 2 million from the Gaiety Theatre owners, Denis and Caroline Desmond. Since its opening in 1871, the theatre has been in continuous production, presenting popular musical shows, opera, ballet, dance and drama. The refurbishment will allow the venue to host full scale operas and orchestras.