Theatre For All at The Abbey

At the Abbey Theatre, we believe that theatre should be for everyone. That belief is the driving force behind Theatre For All, an initiative offering €5 tickets to DEIS schools and community groups across Ireland. At a time when many organisations face financial pressures and cultural access can feel out of reach, Theatre For All removes the cost barrier and replaces it with an open invitation to step inside, take your seat, and experience the magic of live performance.

The programme is designed for DEIS schools and community groups that exist for social, educational, or community benefit. Once approved, groups gain access to €5 tickets for Abbey Theatre productions on Monday–Wednesday performances, with the ability to book between 10 and 30 seats per show. Approval lasts for a full year, meaning organisations don’t need to reapply for each production. Instead, they are contacted whenever new tickets become available, making participation simple and genuinely accessible.

Many students and community groups have already joined us through this initiative, some stepping into the Abbey for the very first time. For many, it’s a rare chance to share a cultural experience together,  for others, it’s the beginning of a new connection with the arts. From a classroom discovering the excitement of live performance to a local support group enjoying an evening out, Theatre For All is ultimately about bringing people together, creating moments of connection, inclusion, and shared storytelling.

How It Works

The application process is straightforward. Eligible organisations submit documentation (e.g. Constitution, Memorandum, Articles of Association), and once approved, they are added to the Theatre For All network for one year. From there, groups receive notifications when €5 tickets become available for upcoming Abbey Theatre productions. Payment is made in a single transaction at least one week before the performance, and tickets are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

This structure ensures that groups can plan ahead, budget easily, and build theatre visits into their annual activities. It also means that once an organisation is approved, it remains approved for all Abbey‑produced shows during that year—no repeated paperwork, no repeated applications, just ongoing access to Ireland’s national theatre.

Application: Apply here

Next Up: The Whiteheaded Boy: June 3rd- July 25th

The next production available through Theatre For All is The Whiteheaded Boy, opening on June 3rd. This lively comedy‑drama by Lennox Robinson is a classic of the Irish canon, sharp, funny, and full of heart. It follows the Geoghegan family as they navigate the chaos caused by their beloved “whiteheaded boy,” Denis, whose charm and indulgence have carried him through life… until now. With its humour, warmth, and timeless themes of family expectation and personal responsibility, it’s an ideal introduction to Irish theatre for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

For community groups, The Whiteheaded Boy offers a perfect summer outing, engaging, entertaining, and deeply rooted in Irish storytelling tradition. For DEIS schools, it provides a vibrant, accessible way to explore Irish literature and performance in action.

An Invitation to Join Us

Theatre For All is a commitment to ensuring that the National Theatre truly belongs to the nation. We want every community to feel welcome, represented, and included.

If your organisation has never visited the Abbey Theatre before, this is your moment. If you have visited but cost has limited how often you can return, this is your opportunity to come back.

We encourage all eligible groups to apply now and secure access to €5 tickets for The Whiteheaded Boy and future Abbey Theatre productions. The stage is set, the lights are rising, and there is a seat waiting for your community.