Bringing the arts to the people and the people to the arts

Backstage Theatre opened its doors in April 1995. A purpose built state of the art theatre located in the Slashers GAA Complex, Backstage was from the outset a community driven project with its main advocates being Slashers GAA Club and Backstage Theatre Group.

Since 1995 our commitment to our central role as a regional Theatre has been based on the vision of the initiators of the theatre project, who planned "A Theatre for Longford" which is accessible and participatory and enhances the cultural infrastructures of the region.

It is our mission to promote the development of the arts regionally by presenting a high quality, diverse and innovative programme of arts activities which is valued by and engages the community we serve and which provides a platform and resource for artists and companies to present their work.

Over the years a growing audience at Backstage has been treated to a dynamic programme of exciting and inspiring theatre. Whether you fancy top quality drama, breathtaking dance, belly chortelling comedy or live music we have something to suit all tastes.

Backstage is committed to continuing to provide the very best that theatre has to offer for our audiences. In recent years the theatre joined forces with a number of venues to form two touring networks, Nasc a nationwide network of seven venues and Nomad a north midlands based network. In the first few years of their existence these networks have already changed the nature of touring in Ireland. Together the venue managers on these networks form a strong voice to attract top theatre companies such as Druid, Rough Magic and Livin Dred to our venues.

Backstage Theatre has been generously supported by the Arts Council from the outset and is also funded by Longford County Council.