Dublin’s Gate Theatre moved into the black last year with a surplus of €86,035, reversing a deficit of almost €70,000 in 2010.

The theatre retained a deficit of €69,407 in 2010 but, following increases in box-office receipts, recorded a surplus of €86,035 in 2011.

This was despite decreases in sponsorship, which fell from €62,878 in 2010 to €5,000 last year and a decrease in spending at the bar from €209,586 to €187,839.

The company had a turnover of €3.6 million last year, up from €3.4 million in 2010. Its expenses were down, declining from €4.6 million to €4.5 million in the year ending December 31st.

Staff wages, salaries and costs fell from €2.58 million to €2.53 million.

The theatre company employs 30 people, not including actors. It received €1 million in Arts Council funding last year, up slightly from €990,000 in 2010.

Its directors note: “The Gate continues to attract practitioners of the highest calibre and, through its programming, has sustained its reputation in Ireland and abroad.”