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The Millennium Forum opened in August 2001 following many years of campaigning that began as far back as the 1960s!

A new beginning

The opening of the Millennium Forum marked a new beginning in the city’s cultural life. The £14m project brought to fruition the city’s ambition to have a world class purpose built 1020-seat theatre, conference centre and community facility for everyone.

The Forum is the 13th theatre to be built in the city since the first purpose built theatre in the Shipquay in 1774 which was the result of collaboration between the Belfast theatre manager, Michael Atkins and a Derry builder, William Stewart. This theatre, which was located on the site of the Guildhall, opened on 8th August, appropriately with a drama by Derry-born playwright, George Farquhar. 

The location of the Forum at the East Wall also draws on its historical antecedents of the Theatre Royal in 1884, which was also built on the city walls. The East Wall theatre is located in what was Derry’s artistic and cultural “quartier” during the 19th century.

The grand, elegant houses on the East Wall had once been the homes of the Perios family of musicians (a violinist, cellist and pianist) from France and the Huguenot church organist, Henry Logier and his musical offspring, as well as several “dancing academics”. Throughout the history of theatre in the city we have seen many world class performers ranging from Oscar Wilde in 1884, Tyrone Power in 1901 to the premiere of Brian Friel’s Translations in the Guildhall in September 1980.

The Millennium Forum gratefully acknowledges material from Dr Nuala McAllister Hart, ‘From Farquhar to Field Day: Three Centuries of Music and Theatre in Derry/Londonderry’ (History Press Ireland, 2012).

Construction pic 2
Rialto Box
Anthony Gorman statue
4 YMCA group shot
5 Old Building before forum
DOD DK with Building Picture
Jonny murray david Daniel OD

History of theatre in the city

  • Theatre was first performed in the Town Hall or Exchange in the Diamond as early as 1740 when Belfast touring troupes visiting Derry gave performances of plays, ballad operas, songs and dances.
  • The second theatre was planned and built in Artillery Lane within the walls and opened in autumn 1789. It proved to be Derry’s most popular, successful and profitable theatre until the New Royal Opera House opened in 1877.
  • The Artillery Lane theatre was an ambitious project that housed plays, opera, ballet, concerts, equestrian displays, daredevil stunts and ventriloquism. The theatre was heated by opens fires and gaslight was introduced in 1832.
  • In 1884, the Theatre Royal was opened in Fountain Street.
  • In 1864, the Queen’s Theatre opened in Chamberlain Place. The proprietor was Derry-born actor/manager, Mr Heffernon and he concentrated on the presentation of pantomime, burlesque and “adventure” dramas. Admission prices varied from 1s (centre boxes); 6d (side boxes) and 4d/3d (pit and gallery respectively).
  • The New Royal Opera House in Carlisle Road was the last of Derry’s purpose built theatres on a grand scale. Built in 1877 it predated the Belfast Grand Opera House by almost 18 years. It cost £5000 to build.
  • The Guild Theatre in North Edward Street emerged during the autumn in 1946 to fill the vacuum caused by the demise of the Derry Opera House.

Our Patrons

Proudly supporting the Millennium Forum, Johnny McDaid and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, patrons of the Millennium Forum, help to inspire the next generation of talent in our community.

Theatre Patron

Johnny McDaid

We are delighted to announce Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid as our new patron.  The patronage honours Johnny’s roots and heritage as a proud Derryman and reflects his belief in using the arts to bring communities together.

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Youth Patron

Jamie Lee O’Donnell

The Millennium Forum Youth Patron is enthusiastically embraced by Jamie Lee O’Donnell, star of internationally acclaimed Comedy Drama, “Derry Girls”.

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