Magna Charta Theaters: Business Is Buoyant At Olympia Theatre Dublin

“We are in a very healthy position after an excellent 2019,” John Johnston, general manager of Dublin, Ireland’s Olympia Theatre told Pollstar, adding, “We are set up for an even better 2020!” 

The historic 1,600-capacity in the Irish capital, which mixes standing and seated accommodations, has hosted some of the biggest names in music; among the many artists to walk through the Olympia Theatre’s doors in 2019 were Gerry Cinnamon, Chvrches, Anderson .Paak, Kamasi Washington, LP, Gavin James, Mavis Staples, Jimmy Buffett, Lizzo, Lewis Capaldi and Pixies.

Each artist delivered “breath-taking performances,” according to Johnston, who added, “I could go on and on and on and I have left many incredible artists out, but I suppose a big highlight was the four-night sold-out stand  from local boy Dermot Kennedy from May 13-16, which was very special.”

The Olympia Theatre sold 202,241 tickets in 2019, per Pollstar Boxffice reports, totaling $7,354,015 grossed. Its highest-grossing report of 2019 was a sold-out three-night stand by The Specials that brought in $275,659.

Johnston said the last year held no challenges he didn’t have to deal with before, apart from the United Kingdom’s pending withdrawal from the EU, which has now been implemented.

“Obviously, this is a challenge that the music industry all over Europe will need to manage over the coming months and years,” Johnston explained.

“I’m sure with enough support from government and EU departments, and our various industry bodies highlighting the importance of the live music industry in our respective countries, we will adjust to the new reality,” he continued. 

“Having said that, we should not be complacent, and we need to ensure that our message gets through to the correct people.”

Johnston said the Olympia had some major M&E works planned alongside some external façade upgrades this year. 

“This is part of a continual upgrade that we have been carrying out over the last few years which has included complete refurbishment of our public bar areas, new removable stalls seating as well as major upgrade works to stage power, grid and flying systems,” he explained.

Supergrass, Horslips, King Krule, Nathaniel Rateliff and Brockhampton are among the artists already confirmed to perform at the Olympia in 2020.

“We are continuing to work on bringing in a number of major acts later in the year that we cannot mention just yet,” said Johnston, teasing, “Watch this space!”

Johnston has already been taking bookings for 20201. “We are getting more and more queries for dates 12-18 months in advance,” he said, adding, “I think it is a great sign of a very buoyant industry and of the demand from our customers to experience their favourite artists in the live environment.

“It is up to us as venue operators to match this demand and to continue trying to improve the fan experience when they come through our doors.”