In the 220 years since the establishment of the Georgian playhouse which was subsequently adapted in the late nineteenth century to the Theatre Royal we know today, Waterford has been renowned for its local musical and dramatic traditions. 

The Theatre Royal, often referred to as “the peoples theatre”, has been the traditional venue for this creative activity down through the generations. As such it is the home for long established amateur societies and has hosted the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera since its inception in 1958. 

The Theatre Royal, as the premiere venue in the South East, plays host to the best national and international touring artists and companies and with the assistance of Waterford City Council and The Arts Council is increasingly seeking to mount its own productions for the people of the city and the region.