McGlynn ‘still learning’ exciting Dean Crowe role

Over two years into his role as Manager of the Dean Crowe Theatre, John McGlynn is in reflective mode as he pauses to recall how the role has evolved since first taking on a "fresh challenge" at the start of 2024.

McGlynn had "no idea what to expect" when appointed to the role in a part-time capacity, but such were the demands of the position in the intervening period that he has since been appointed Manager on a full-time bases.

It is a role which the Monaghan native "relishes" and one which he said has brought him "great reward".

"I have always had a great affinity for the Dean Crowe Theatre having performed on the stage on numerous occasions, but the front of house experience is completely different," McGlynn said.

McGlynn said he is "swimming well" but "still learning" as he enters the third year of his Manager's role.

"When I initially sat down with the Board of Directors chairperson Alfie Kilduff, we agreed that it would take at least 12 months to bed into the role and that certainly was the case. I am still learning but now I have much more of a solid base to work from, but it has been a challenge," McGlynn said.

The Dean Crowe Theatre has become a venue of choice for touring musicians and comedians with an "eclectic mix" of acts offering a "great choice" for the public.

"When I came into this role my main aim was to make sure that the theatre was hopping. I wanted to bring as many well known acts to the venue as possible and our busy and varied programme for 2026 shows that we are achieving this goal," McGlynn added.

McGlynn paid tribute to his colleagues in the Dean Crowe Theatre who have "helped me greatly" during my time in the role. "Karen Hardiman works in our box office and also promotes our shows across the various platforms. She has been an amazing addition to the theatre.

"Our theatre technician Ekk Azcárate has also brought energy to her role, while Bernie Corrigan is just the 'heart and soul' of the theatre. She's always on hand to help out in any capacity and the work she does within the theatre can never be underestimated," McGlynn said. In total, the Dean Crowe Theatre employs 15 staff, including casual employees who work behind the bar and In the auditorium during live performances.

"All our staff have contributed to the success of the Dean Crowe Theatre to date and long may it continue," McGlynn added.

The annual RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival is a standout occasion in the Dean Crowe Theatre, the celebration of amateur theatre taking place at the venue from April 30 to May 8.

McGlynn has been busy preparing for the eight-day festival with tickets for each performance close to selling out.

With amateur drama aficionados descending on the Dean Crowe Theatre for the festival McGlynn said it is important that the venue is at its "resplendent best".

"We always aim to have a well maintained and presented theatre and the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival certainly allows us the opportunity to 'spring clean' in advance of welcoming amateur drama lovers from all over the country to Athlone," McGlynn said.

The upgrade of the theatre is not confined to the week of the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival. The Manager said plans are in place to refurbish the green room, much used by performers prior to and during the intervals of their respective performances.

"When I look at the green room I feel that it's the one part of the theatre that needs to be refurbished. It's regularly used by the performers during their time in the theatre and thankfully, the Board of Directors have been very supportive of my refurbishment plans," McGlynn said.

McGlynn confirmed that the Board of Directors has taken ownership of the two buildings on the grounds of the theatre with hopes that they can be integrated as part of the Dean Crowe Theatre experience in the future.

"There is a continuous need to maintain what is essentially an old building. The theatre also needs a new roof which will require significant grant funding, so I will be contacting our local politicians in due course looking for their support to make this a reality," McGlynn stated.

McGlynn also hopes to install a wheelchair lift in the theatre with an energy audit of the building due to take place shortly with the aim of "bringing the venue into the 21st century".

A dearth of car parking options has not impacted on audiences figures, and McGlynn said he does not let this particular issue consume him. While it is one aspect of the Dean Crowe Theatre he would like to see addressed, it is out of his scope, so he doesn't dwell on the issue.

"I can't move the Dean Crowe Theatre to a green field site with ample car parking, but I am not overly concerned with the car parking issue. We have three car parks within a two-minute walking distance of the theatre, while we also have space for disabled parking on the grounds of the venue," McGlynn said.

Although it can be challenging to book major acts, McGlynn said it can be through "word of mouth" that an artist might contact him to book a performance in the theatre.

"In this industry artists talk and if a theatre is selling well then it is likely that they will want to perform at that venue. Thankfully, that has been the case with a number of performers here in the Dean Crowe Theatre," McGlynn said.

Looking to the future, McGlynn wants to "maintain the high standards" and "continuously improve upon the audience experience" at the Dean Crowe Theatre.

"You can't stay stagnant in this industry. We want to bring the best acts to the Dean Crowe Theatre and I want our audience members and performers to feel like they have been welcomed and treated well when they walk through our front door. That will always be the aim and if we can improve on the whole experience that can only augur well for the future of the theatre," McGlynn concluded.