Pandemic threw Gate Theatre into ‘urgent fight for survival’

Box office takings fell 85 per cent at the theatre, which opens to audiences again in October for the first time in 18 months

Selina Cartmell, chief executive, the Gate Theatre: box office revenues fell by 85 per cent, from €3.17 million the previous year to €449,000 in 2020. There was a deficit for that year of €509,000, compared with the surplus of €398,025 for 2019. Picture: Marc O'Sullivan

The Gate Theatre found itself in a fight for survival after having to shut its box office overnight due to the pandemic, its board of directors has said.

Ahead of reopening to audiences next month, its latest financial statements reveal the blow the pandemic dealt to its operations, described as “financially devastating” in the directors’ report attached to the accounts.

The year to the end of 2020 “reflects one of the most difficult periods the ...