Gate Theatre — Cavendish Row

Attached seven-bay two-storey former assembly rooms, built 1784-6, with single-storey over basement front elevation. Now in use as theatre. L-shaped hipped roof behind parapet, having copper lining to ridge and parapet. Large metal sign 'GATE' to south end of hipped roof, and brown brick rectangular-plan chimneystack to west. Cast-iron rainwater goods breaking through parapet discreetly placed in corners of projecting full breakfront. Full-length shallow projecting breakfront yo most of front elevation, with central three-bay full-height pedimented portico. Granite ashlar walls having granite plinth course to rusticated ashlar basement. Twin engaged square-plan Doric-style pilasters to outside bays supporting plain frieze and cornice. Central Portland stone Doric portico to east elevation, comprising four Doric columns on projecting basement wall supporting a triangular pediment. Dentillated tympanum decorated with carvings of arms of Ireland, crest of Duke of Rutland and star of Order of Saint Patrick to frieze flanked by swags and foliate detailing. Large square-headed window openings with timber sliding sash windows to first floor, having nine-over-nine pane frames with small convex horns and surrounded by moulded architraves, openings flanking portico having carved cornices. Blind square-headed window openings to ground floor having channelled voussoirs. Modern square-headed double-leaf door, having modern granite-clad steps and recent fittings. Modern granite-clad extension to north, built c.2008, having Serliana window connecting old and new buildings, and large round-headed door opening with granite doorcase of two engaged pilasters supporting cornice, with recent fittings. Classical swag of drapery set in rectangular panels at first floor height on south elevation. Granite plinth wall to east elevation, having higher plinth wall at new addition. Cast-iron railings and cast-iron lampposts to either side of main entrance to east elevation. Colonnade to rear elevation connecting Rotunda Hospital, Ambassador and Gate Theatre. Granite ashlar walls to first floor over rusticated ground floor. Square-headed nine-over-nine pane timber sliding sash windows to north side elevation, having corniced lintels to first floor windows. Main rear entrance to west elevation of modern extension and secondary entrance to small modern extension to west or rear elevation. Concrete paving to east elevation, having granite kerbstones and cast-iron bollards. Rear of site entered via gate north of site on Cavendish Row, or via Rotunda Hospital from west side of Parnell Square.