CAT Club to celebrate its 50th anniversary with three plays

A small city centre theatre with a big heart is looking ahead to a golden jubilee as it celebrates its 50th year in 2026.

Established in 1976 as a club for the local arts community, the Cork Arts Theatre is planning to deliver an ambitious programme of three contemporary plays, produced under the banner Re:Directing, thanks to vital Arts Council funding.

The plays’ three Cork-born theatre directors are Julie Kelleher, Al Dalton, and Katrina Foley, and the initiative will showcase high-quality, local productions that fit within the intimate setting of the fondly-named CAT Club.

The Cork Arts Theatre’s director, Fin Flynn, said that 2026 looks to be an exciting year.

“We are a small venue, and we punch above our weight in our offering to Cork theatre goers, and the opportunities we provide for local artists to showcase their work,” she said.

“The Arts Council grant is a recognition of our crucial role in bringing quality theatre to Cork audiences and creating opportunities for Cork artists.

“We were delighted to receive the funding to produce work, in what will be the venue’s 50th year.

“It is a testament to the hard work of everyone who steered this small, but vibrant, theatre through some challenging times,” Ms Flynn added.

“We won’t be resting on our laurels. We are looking forward to continuing to offer great theatre experiences for audiences for the next 50 years.

“As for our Re:Directing series of plays, mark the dates in your 2026 calendar now. They are not to be missed.”

The three plays — Infinity, by Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch; Constellations, by Nick Payne, and Girl in the Machine, by Stef Smith — differ in style and tone, but are thematically linked, as all three explore romantic relationships.

The multi-award-winning set and lighting designer Aedin Cosgrove, and acclaimed costume designer Valentina Gambardella will work across all three plays.

Infinity, directed by Julie Kelleher, will run from February 4 to 14, 2026.

Constellations, directed by Al Dalton, presented in partnership with Cork Midsummer Festival, will run from June 17 to 21, 2026.

Girl in the Machine, directed by Katrina Foley, will run from November 11 to 21, 2026.

For further information, please see corkartstheatre.com.