It is with great sadness that we learned of the sudden death of Robert Lane who designed and directed the first four plays staged at The New Theatre.
In 1997, Anthony Fox asked Robert to design the theatre’s first stage in a space behind Connolly Books. Along with a dedicated team of actors, designers and technicians, they created The New Theatre and “Joyriders”, directed and designed by Robert Lane opened in June 1997.
Mixed Marriage:
“The production, direction and design by Robert Lane, is solidly old-fashioned, a faithful interpretation of the script.”
– Gerry Colgan, The Irish Times, 27th August 1997
“…the overall production values are meticulous Robert Lane’s design, while his direction is understated and subtle to dynamic effect.”
– Emer O’Kelly, Sunday Independent, 31st August 1997
The Rasherhouse:
“..It’s directed and designed with harsh intensity by Robert Lane, and the performances throughout are chillingly talented.” – Emer O’Kelly, Sunday Independent, 26th October 1997
The Country Boy:
“Robert Lane, Director and designer, recreates the atmosphere of the play’s past glories, and delivers a winner once again.”
– Gerry Colgan, The Irish Times,
May 1998
Of Mice and Men:
“…credit for the integrity and visionary cohesion of the piece must go to director Tim McDonnell in a splendid set by Robert Lane.”
– Emer O’Kelly, Independent, 12th August 2001
Far Left: Cast of Joyriders, the first play to open at The New Theatre in June 1997, directed and designed by Robert Lane.
Middle: Gail Fitzpatrick, Margot McLaughlin and Anthony Fox in The Country Boy, directed and designed by Robert Lane.
Left: Anthony Fox and Patrick Byrne in Of Mice and Men, directed and designed by Robert Lane.
Main picture: Anthony Fox with Robert Lane at the President’s garden party, celebrating theatre at Aras an Uachtarain in June 2016.
