Ira Aldridge and the 'new Theatre Royal' in Waterford

07/05/2025 7 min
Ira Aldridge and the 'new Theatre Royal' in Waterford

Listen "Ira Aldridge and the 'new Theatre Royal' in Waterford"

Episode Synopsis

Back before most of us were even a thought, an extraordinary theatre revival was happening in Waterford.Historian Cian Manning bring us the story of African-American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge’s performances at Waterford and its environs in the Spring of 1835. Aldridge was renowned for his performances as Othello and Oroonoko, as Urbs Intacta hosted one of the legends of both the American and British stage. The New Yorker’s efforts in the South-East in the 1830s played a huge part in the revival of theatre performances in Waterford.Tune in for Cian's extraordinary historical tales every Wednesday on The Big Breakfast Blaa with Ollie and Dymphna.