The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, is set to be refurbished in the New Year.

The revamp will enlarge the stage, increase orchestral accommodation and refurbish the backstage area, so that the theatre can stage full operas and symphony orchestras.

The owners and developers – Denis and Caroline Desmond – of the Gaiety are contributing 2m euro (£1.3m, US$2.6) to the refurbishment and the government will invest 7.5m euro (£5m, US$9.6).

The theatre will close in February 2007 for a June 2007 completion. Dublin-based Holohan Architects created the new design plans.

John O’Donoghue, minister for the arts, said: “The Gaiety has a special place in the hearts of the Irish and enshrines all that is good and eclectic about the Irish taste for the arts and good entertainment.

“The wings of the Gaiety have reverberated with the stage calls of the most famous names in Irish Theatre and entertainment history. The work now planned will ensure that this institution remains the central motif of the arts, entertainment and theatre fabric of Irish society for many generations to come.” Details: www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie or www.gaietytheatre.ie