Adelphi '63 at Smock Alley Theatre

In November 1963, the Beatles played two shows at the Adelphi Cinema on Abbey Street. The Dublin crowd went wild, and a riot broke out on the street afterwards. It’s one of those stories that sounds too good to be true, but it happened. Now Dublin Municipal Theatre are bringing it to life on stage at Smock Alley.

What to Expect

Adelphi ‘63 tells the story of that extraordinary night and the Dublin that surrounded it. This was a city on the cusp of change - still deeply conservative but buzzing with the energy of a younger generation that wanted something different. The Beatles’ arrival was the spark, and the riot on Abbey Street was the explosion.

The production uses music, drama, and local history to capture the atmosphere of Dublin in 1963. Expect Beatles songs (obviously), but also the stories of the ordinary Dubliners who were there - the fans, the guards, the cinema staff, and the people on Abbey Street who watched the madness unfold.

The run goes from April 21 to May 3, giving you nearly two weeks to catch it. This is the kind of show that Smock Alley does brilliantly - rooted in Dublin, theatrical, and full of heart.

Good to Know

• Runs April 21 to May 3 in the Main Space
• Long run by Smock Alley standards - plenty of chances to catch it
• Based on real events from Dublin’s history
• Check the Smock Alley website for exact showtimes each night
• Smock Alley bar open before and after performances

Getting There

Smock Alley is on Exchange Street Lower between Temple Bar and the Liffey. Five minutes from the Ha’penny Bridge, seven minutes from the Luas Jervis stop on the Red Line. Tara Street DART is a 10-minute walk.