Barbican at the heart...
IT’S A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY FACILITY THAT HAS HOSTED SOME AMAZING EVENTS. CAROLINE KAVANAGH DROPPED IN TO MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE CENTRE
DROGHEDA’S Barbican is so much more than a theatre – it’s a hub for the whole community, containing a training centre, bingo hall, afterschool classes, exercise groups, night classes, dancing, film making, rugby training, music tuition, senior citizens’ helpline, a prison service, Weight Watchers, some ‘ hot desks’ and even a primary school for children with special needs!
Open nine years, and now managed by Clareman, Declan Power, the 500-seater theatre with its local and big-name shows pays its way. ‘As well as the theatre we also provide space at lowcost rates, as well as training and upskilling,’ explained Declan.
Visitors are greeted at reception on the ground floor where the manager’s office is also located. During shows, the bar and shop are here. On the first floor is Stoke’s Theatre and the Boyne Business Offices, The second floor houses the TK Whitaker Suite, named after Ireland’s former leading economist who lived in William Street, and on the third floor are the Donnelly, Lennon and Laverty rooms named after Drogheda clergy, and the Plunkett studio, after St Oliver.
With a new-look foyer and low-energy LED lighting throughout the building, the Barbican Centre is answering the needs of the community, as well as adhering to the ethos of the parish owned parochial centre. ‘We got a SEAI grant to upgrade the lighting and now have a low-carbon footprint. In fact, The Barbican is a flagship building for arts and community centres with its eco-friendly initiatives,’ outlined Declan. ‘ There are 5 staff in total, between reception and caretaking, and we just couldn’t function without schemes.’
At the ‘Hot Desk’ is educator Ato Prah, originally from Ghana but in Drogheda since 2002. ‘I co-ordinate music lessons for churches, schools, clubs, etc,’ explained Ato, who is partial to a cup of Irish tea!
Simo Nkala staffs the hotline for Drogheda Senior Citizens, answering phone queries, many of which relate to seniors’ personal phone alarms. ‘We offer a care and repair service for homes for older people. Just ring our Freephone number.’ Simo is from Zimbabwe and now lives in Laytown.
‘ The Hot Desk’ concept offers low-cost office space to groups or individuals. They share an office, and have desks and office equipment provided,’ said Declan.
Caretaker Wayne Rogers unleashed his inner-DIY and painted the Barbican this year! ‘I like DIY but never really painted before,’ he admitted. ‘I love working here, meeting people, seeing some of the shows and get on well with all the staff,’ said Wayne, who enjoys walking along the Boyne to relax. ‘I encourage my friends to attend the shows and I promote them on Facebook too.’
Kelvin Tan was born in London to an Irish mother and a father from Malaysia, but grew up in Drogheda, and also enjoys meeting visitors at The Barbican. ‘I like the range of activities and courses here really and have good craic with the staff,’ said Kevin, who sports a colourful sleeve of tattoos on his arms. Now the longest-serving staff member, Kelvin joined the staff on work experience four years ago, remained as a volunteer, and is now on a Tús programme!
On work experience for two weeks is Andrew Black, a TY student at St Mary’s. ‘My father Tony Black worked here and suggested it to me,’ said Andrew, who was busy cleaning and prepping rooms ahead of classes, and also did some postering for upcoming events.
And there are plenty of events to look forward to! From Elvis (aka Ciaran Houlihan) to The Swing Cats, Drogheda Male Voice Choir, Mary Simpson’s Xtreme Style Academy Christmas show, and Drogheda Pantomime Society with Sleeping Beauty. In 2019 stars Jason Byrne and Keith Barry will take to the stage. (see www. thebarbican.ie). Many stars have already trod the boards here such as Red Hurley, Phil Coulter and Des Bishop.
Also coming up is a fantastic Pre-Loved sale, a sort of indoor car- boot sale in mid-January, where individuals or groups can rent a stall and sell their goods – perfect for a post- Christmas clear-out!
‘I wanted to hold a Christmas fair but it didn’t work out this year. I had a wedding fair here which was a huge success as it was all local businesses exhibiting. It’s important to promote local suppliers,’ said Declan.
Barbican’s first external project hits the streets of Drogheda on Saturday 15 December with a fundraiser for SOSAD. ‘Hit the Right Note’ invites all musicians in town to get involved and do some street busking in aid of SOSAD, Barbican’s charity partner for 2018.
Working out in the theatre was the COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) fitness group led by Niamh. Along the corridors are local photographs by Willie Dillon and original art works by Indigo art group, which are for sale. At the theatre door is the tribute in bronze to Drogheda’s three comedy legends, Tec, Jimmy and Joe.
Upstairs, a 30-week training course for Pharmaceutical and Retail customer service takes place. Other courses in ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) and communications are run by LMETB (Louth Meath Education & Training Board). Mary Ryan’s flower arranging class runs regularly during the year.
Pre-Fleadh, a hospitality skills programme ran in The Barbican. The Barbican was flat out during the Fleadh with competitions on in the rooms and the Singers Club at night, as well as céilís.
‘We also had a programme recently for Ipads