2017 NEWS REVIEW: Famous old Kildare cinema inspires new venue

On Sunday September 3rd, Tigerlily nightclub at the Silken Thomas Kildare Town closed its doors after 13 years to undergo a major 12 week intensive transformation.

Under the guidance of award winning designers O’Donnell O’Neill whose more recent projects include Stella Cinema, Rathmines, the Dean Hotel and Dollard & Company, Dublin, an extensive clear-out and fit out was undertaken.

Studio One Venue & Garden finally opened on Friday November 24. Some people of a certain age maybe familiar with the name Studio One!

In fact in 1973 Studio One Film Exhibitors was founded by Joe and Marie Flanagan and operated as a cinema until 1987.

The first movie shown by the new owners in 1974 was The Poseidon Adventure featuring Academy award winner Gene Hackman.

In its heyday the one screen cinema seated 850 people.

In 1987 part of the cinema was converted into a restaurant known to us today as Chapter 16 restaurant at the Silken Thomas.

The cinema seating area was converted into a function room and then a nightclub.

On Friday November 24th Studio One was re-born into an experiential venue and garden.

The new venue also has a stage so entertainment acts and performances can be expected in the coming months.

Small references to the old cinema have been made and indeed its new logo outline has a hint of an old cinema admission ticket.

“We are excited to embark on this new phase for Studio One. We felt it was fitting to use this name. In essence it’s where we started from,” said managing director Brian Flanagan.

For more, see https://www.facebook.com/Studio1Kildare/