Behind the Curtain

The documentary grants viewers rare behind‑the‑scenes access to the Gaiety Theatre's pantomime production, showing rehearsals and backstage preparations. It also chronicles the life and career of its iconic Dame, Joe Conlan, highlighting his long association with the theatre over several decades.

"Behind the Curtain" is a one‑off television programme presented as a documentary. It is billed as a single‑episode feature that pulls back the veil on a well‑known theatrical institution, giving viewers a glimpse of what normally stays off‑stage. The film grants viewers rare behind‑the‑scenes access to the pantomime that runs at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre. By moving beyond the polished performance, it shows the rehearsals, set‑ups and the day‑to‑day workings that bring the show to life. The camera follows the production crew and performers as they prepare the annual pantomime, revealing the practical side of putting on a large‑scale theatrical event. At the heart of the documentary is the story of the theatre’s iconic Dame, Joe Conlan. The programme tracks Conlan’s career and personal journey, shedding light on how he became synonymous with the role of Dame in the Gaiety’s pantomime tradition. Viewers see moments from his life that have shaped his on‑stage persona, offering a personal context to his celebrated status. Overall, the documentary combines the insider view of the Gaiety’s pantomime with an intimate portrait of Joe Conlan, delivering a rare look at both the production’s mechanics and the life of the figure who has come to define it.