A purpose-built theatre, exhibition space, workshops, restaurant, bar and cyber cafe for Portlaoise - who now would dare to make slighting references to cultural wastelands in the midlands? The Dunmaise Theatre and Centre for the Arts, built on the site of the late-18th-century jail, near the Courthouse, has finally made the transition from pipe dream to reality and opens on Tuesday. Financed by Laois County Council, which raised almost £1 million through the Laois Arts Foundation, and the Department of Arts and Heritage which provided another £1.8 million, it was designed by architect Rory Gilligan.

The former general manager of Druid Theatre Company, Louise Donlon, is the centre's new manager, and she has lined up an impressive programme: The Abbey will be first to test the acoustics, with Hugh Leonard's Love in the Title (May 7th and 8th); Big Telly brings Brian Friel's Lovers (May 27th); and Fishamble follows with its new production of Joe O'Connor's True Believers (June 18th and 19th). Opera Theatre Company and the London Baroque Orchestra (May 17th) and Spanish guitarist, Augustin Maruri (May 25th) will provide the music, and the opening exhibition is an invited group-show featuring Micky Donnelly, Cathy Carmen and Joch Nichol. Information from 0502-63356, box office 0502-63355.