My mom and I have been getting season tickets to a different theatre for a couple years now. For the 2025-2026 season we decided to with Irish Classical Theatre. We love it. It is an in the round theatre, there are about 3 rows of seating around the theatre, and it is wonderful. I have a hard time going to the bigger theatres, because I am so used to seeing the actors' faces and expressions and seeing spit fly out of their mouths. That is what makes theatre special, like you are part of the play. As I age, I prefer the smaller, more intimate theatres. Irish Classical has a bar that you can bring in your items during the performance, which is nice. All of the ushers and everyone with Irish Classical are friendly and helpful.  The plays are all from Irish playwrights and they are great. The sets are magical and they transport you into the scene. Definitely check this theatre out. The play Thirst, that took place earlier this season, the playwright was there and I got to meet him and get his autograph. It was quite exciting. read more

This is such a unique theatre. The seats completely surround the stage and there's only three rows of seating so no seat is further away than 12 feet from the stage. We recently came to see Or, and had a great experience from the moment we arrived. The bartender and ushers were friendly and the bar had a good selection of beers, wines, and n/a drinks to choose from, and allow you to bring your drink in using their covered cups. The cast was top notch as well and we enjoyed the play. I hope to come back sometime. read more

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The Irish classical theater is one of Buffalo's gems. Intimate, holds perhaps 250 seats, not a bad view in the house. High level productions, often controversial subject matter selected for performances, always a quality show. Plenty of restaurants in the neighborhood. Well kept facilities, well staffed. read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Went to a matinee of Dracula (a comedy of terrors) on Saturday for being a small theater its setting is great being in the round great sound quality! Dracula's cast was amazing and being a comedy very funny. Some parts they even got the audience interacting with them . Dracula was hot sexy and funny all in one great performance by Jorge Luna. Daniel Lendzian was my second favorite playing Mina/Van Helsing) both characters were hilarious I had a smile on my face the whole time when I wasn't laughing. Charmagne Chi who played Dr. Westfeldt/ Renfield/ Captain had so many parts it was hilarious watching her maneuver the characters and remembering the lines and accents. A little cheesy at times but great performance by the whole cast enjoyable afternoon. Small staff but they are very helpful and friendly great job I just love this theater will be back for a show soon great ones coming up read more

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Attended the opening night performance of Dorian, it was amazing, funny, delightful and informative. You learn a little about the creator Oscar Wilde a man whose numerous plays have been performed on this stage.Never a bad seat as you're always up close with the stage and performers.From the box office, will call, bar and the ushers everyone is so friendly and attentive. Opening Night even had a marvelous reception with appetizers and champagne to celebrate the amazing opening night, such a treat.You even get to mingle with the actors. I've seen many performance in this theater and have never been disappointed. Some of my past favorites include Equus,The Dead and American Buffalo.So come early grab a drink in the Chris O'Neil Lounge and enjoy an incredible night out, you truly will not be disappointed with this wonderful theatre. read more

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With seating in the round you get a very up close experience with the actors and never a bad seat in the house.Many past experiences I have enjoyed seeing such classics as The Dead, American Buffalo and Equus.Last nights opening of Dorian was marvelous. Inventive, educational, endearing and funny.You get a first hand look into the life of playwright Ocsar Wilde and his fascinating life.The reception that followed was incredible champagne ,hors d'oeuvres and a chance to hang out with these passionate performers .You can also grab a cocktail in the Chris O'Neil Lounge and if you purchase one of their cups even take it into the theatre.So come out and enjoy an amazing evening out that you won't forget. read more

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I love Irish Classical. This small theater with a stage in the center and seats all around it is a real treasure. There are three rows of seats that wrap around the entire stage creating a very intimate experience. Everything I have seen here has been great. Every season has great mix of new plays, classic plays, and Oscar Wilde. Masks are required through the whole show, cover your nose and mouth, which I greatly appreciated. Comfy seats, friendly staff, and quality entertainment at a variety of price points. Two thumbs up. read more

Love the Irish Classical. It's my favorite Theater in Buffalo. I've been coming here for over 5+ years. The plays are unique (and usually written by an Irish playwright) and the space of the Theater is very intimate. If you're looking for a more Theater-experience and have never ventured outside of the bigger Theaters in the area, give it a try. You sit all around the stage. The plays do generally have an Irish twist to them, but the acting in all of the shows I've witnessed has been pretty top notch. You can buy alcohol/beer at the bar (you can't bring into the Theater unless you buy one of their special wine containers). I'll take any opportunity to see a play here! read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Don't let the name fool you. The plays aren't always Irish, and they aren't always classical. But I'd wager they're always pretty awesome! ICTC is the ONLY Theatre in the Round theatre in Buffalo! Its an arena-style theatre with the audience essentially surrounding the stage. Coupling that with a cozy space, and you'll find that whatever play you come to see here, you'll be pretty up close and personal with the actors! We were given comp tickets as a part of a Yelp Elite event. Came here during their run of "The Night Alive," a 2013 Irish play that really shook me to my core. If the actors in this play ever act in future ICT shows, I know I'll have to return. The set remained the same throughout, but with such close proximity to the actors and props, it was incredibly easy to find myself falling into the setting and the story. The acting in this play was impeccable. My heart was literally pounding so hard by the end of it. Bravo!! There is a small cash-only bar just past the box office/coat room, so you can enjoy a nice drink before the show! I really loved the style of it, sort of gives off a parlour vibe. Loved the huge illuminated "The Night Alive" graphic in the lobby too - I'm guessing they have these made for every play that's showing at the ICTC. I definitely enjoyed it here more than I ever thought I would. And I'm definitely smacking myself for not coming here/knowing about it sooner. Truly one of the best gems in Buffalo. I'm going to make it my mission to come to more shows here. I just really fell in love with this space. read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Irish I was a little bit taller Irish I was a baller I know why Alex is obsessed with this place. I've known about it for a while and have been here on a couple of occasions before it ever got Yelpy. It's a really fantastic and underrated little place to watch theater, and is probably my favorite theater venue in Buffalo. I don't come here often, but when I do I always wish I came here more. There aren't so many of these types of places around, so it's important to support them. If you haven't been before, give it a try. read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Irish I was a little bit taller - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Yet another stellar performance at ICTC! From their mission statement: "To present the greatest works of dramatic literature; international classics; modern plays of exceptional merit; and Irish plays, both traditional and contemporary. To produce them at the highest level of artistic excellence." I personally have never seen a show here that failed to live up to that mission. I know going in that I'm going to see the cream of the Buffalo theatre crop - performers, directors, designers, musicians, technicians, house staff - all first rate. Since "Golden Boy" has closed, I won't torture you with just how AWESOME it was. But pick a future show that sounds like it might be interesting to you and GO. Live theatre is an experience like no other, and ICTC is among the very best our fair city has to offer. read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

The Irish Classical Theatre is a very intimate theatre in the round. They specialize in the more artsy, independent plays. Some really are from Irish playwrights, but not all. There's not a bad seat in the house. Productions are professional and high quality. There's a small bar in the lobby with beer and wine. You can even purchase a special container to bring it into the show with you. Downtown Buffalo has a great theatre district, and this theatre fills its niche perfectly. read more

This has become one of my Favorite destinations in the Theatre District of Buffalo. This place offers a 360 degree view of the stage. There literally isn't a bad seat in the house. There are 3 rows of seating that surround the stage and the seats are very close to each other. This could pose issues if you have anxiety and are tactilly defensive. But generally the closeness and seating arrangement lead to a very intimate experience. The Cast and Stage crew are amazing, both times I've been here the characters have been made believable. The Actors are able to breath a life into the show that draws you in and doesn't let you go till the play is over. The Stage crew is efficient and work hard to set the stage (all Pun intended) for a great show. The Mini bar out front is well stocked and the attendant there is always pleasant and the prices are consistent with local pubs for their alcoholic beverages. My wife and I have been here 2x now on a Date Night, both times we had an amazing time. I highly recommend patronizing this theatre. read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

What a great night it was... The girl and I attended a performance of " A Delicate Balance" at the ICT for her birthday. On the 600 block of main, the venue is easy to get to by car or rail. We entered into a smallish lobby/bar area that is just elegant in it's simplicity. Staffed by truly warm and friendly attendants, getting to our seats was a breeze. Drinks were kinda inexpensive considering, and not a snotty attitude was to be found anywhere. The unique feature of this theater is that has been designed with central staging, so most performances are "in the round". Only 3 ( and in some instances 2 ) levels of seats rise above the stage. I was told that sometimes, shows are staged with 3 sides for seating and the fourth being the stage. In this play, scenery like windows and doorways were "suggested" by half frames suspended from the rigging. Very cool.... immediate, intimate, close. We were on an end in the first row. We could reach out and touch the actors (this is ill-advised however ! ) Lighting is all hung and the "box" the actors perform in was lightly dressed with a couch and a few chairs for this play. The play BTW is by Edward Albee ( Who's Afraid of Virgina Wolf fame) and was as powerfully performed as it was written...ahh.. a bit more intense drama than a birthday girl should be exposed to i think.... Oops! Memorable, so well performed by this veteran troupe, staged in a beautiful eclectic theater. Shows are reasonably priced ($35something a ticket) intimate and fun. We loved it. read more

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Update to prior review, still worthy of 5 stars. If only I could give more! I love Buffalo theater and of course Shea's is amazing. But even with that competition, ICTC is my favorite Buffalo theater. Things that annoy me about other theaters are not an issue here. The seats are spacious and comfortable. There is no bad view anywhere (the stage is in the center - "In the Round"). You can bring your alcoholic beverages into the theater to enjoy during the performance. You can see every actor close up because the theater is small, thereby being able to watch the nuances in their performances. Not only that, but the plays that they put on are exceptional. Typically classic Irish plays (shocking) but they do not limit themselves to just that. You'll find plays by many famous playwrights, American included. The acting is top notch. Because of the intimacy of the stage and the amazing acting, you will feel a part of the story before intermission. read more

When it comes to a great theatre experience, Irish Classical hits all the right notes - an intimate atmosphere, incredible talent, a well stocked bar and a great location. My wife and I joined our Yelp friends during the summer for a great Yelp Elite event at a Tennessee Williams play here. The theatre is "in the round" so you never get a bad seat in the house and you feel a very intimate connection with the actors. I always love having a drink in the cozy bar area. They have a number of great local beers on tap and a full bar rail. The big windows that look out onto Main Street are great for people watching too! Yelp Tip - Often Irish Classical will offer a 4-play package for $99. It's an amazing deal and the plays are spread out throughout the year so you have something to look forward to every few months. Support this great theatre, it is a Buffalo treasure! read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Grab a drink at the well stocked bar! - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Buffalo's downtown theater in the round. Always quality productions. Not a bad seat in the house as the seats are only 3 rows deep. We just saw Equis, not a comfortable play to see, but very well done. read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - EQUUS - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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This is a great experience! Super intimate, just three rows around, you are truly right there among the actors. You can see every expression and detail on the stage. There's a small bar, you can't bring your drink in the theater unless you buy a specific cup, which we may next time. We went for the first time this year, and have seen 4 plays there since. read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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I don't even like theater that much but there's nothing like ICTC experience. You are nearly IN the show with only 3 rows of seats. I've seen 3 shows; the first had singing that literally made me cry and the second two were truly riveting. Very creative space, acting is top notch, and (the only reason I'd ever give a venue a 5) there's a bar for intermission. read more

Adorable theater! Not a bad seat in the house, with it's circular design allowing for N intimate experience with the actors and actresses. The team of ushers were very friendly and also appeared to enjoy the show. read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Super cute theater! No tomatoes needed here, I am sure of it! - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I hate to say it, but I'm always a little nervous when it comes to local theater. You never know just how much of a home-grown experience you're going to get. I was really pleasantly surprised by this theater! Just as an FYI, the bar is cash-only. The bar tender said something about going over to Expo for cash or something, but I couldn't hear him, so I just used the water fountain. The little sippy cups people had were really cute though! The theater is in the round, with only 3 rows of seats, so everyone always has a good seat. The production we saw had scenery that rotated after each act (there were 3 acts) so almost every side of the theater was able to see some main action. The actors were fabulous, as was the set! There aren't mics, but the actors do a pretty good job of projecting. If you're hard of hearing you might struggle a bit, but probably not much. Microphones in this small space would be overkill. I was impressed with this theater and production! I will definitely consider checking out another production in the future. read more

What a treat! A theater-in-the-round in Buffalo's Theater District with Broadway/Off-Broadway quality production schedule. We went to see EQUUS Saturday night - only thing we knew about EQUUS was that it was an old 70s movie (Richard Burton) and that it was the play that Daniel Radcliffe (HARRY POTTER) had chosen to do to show off his acting chops. I'm not a theater critic, but EQUUS was a very intense and sophisticated portrayal of a teen with a lot of repression, guided by a self-reflective psychiatrist who was suffering from major mid-life crisis. Very heavy, but brilliant cast headed up by PJ Tighe and Vincent O'Neill. The Irish Classical Theater Company (ICTC) is in the heart of the Buffalo Theater district which, no surprise, presented its own parking challenges, but we found ample street parking a couple blocks north. The theater itself is in a beautifully renovated older building. Staff was all friendly and efficient, and the seating and challenge of staging a production in a theater-in-the-round (where the audience sits 360 degrees around the stage) was fascinating. There are a couple scenes in EQUUS with sexual matter and nudity, and I thought to myself that I was surprised not to see any "graphic nudity" warning on their web site. But overall, I was very impressed at the theater and the production. read more

See a play here and you won't be disappointed. There's not a bad seat in the house. The beautiful thing about this theater is how intimate it feels. Anywhere you sit you have a perfect view. You also feel a very special connection to the performance because you are so close to it. The layout is a circle, with the set in the center. There are a variety of nearby restaurants and bars, so it's very easy to make a night on the town visiting here. I have had the pleasure of seeing 3 shows here and have been impressed each time. Take time out of your week to visit this unique theatre and you won't regret it. read more

The theater is across from the Shea's theater. Best parking is on Washington Street and E Chippew Street, it is a fenced parking lot, own by M@T. I am here to watch a Irish Play "Golden Boy", they do have Handicap wheelchairs and scooters call a head to the theater to get tickets for it and have them hold for "will Call". The price for this play was only $45.00 + $3.00 for parking = $48.00 for a great night on the town. Great show, I would recommend it to any Irish person and to non Irish. I give it 5 stars, for easy parking, easy instructions to get to theater, and outstanding play read more

I love this place. Intimate setting, great seating everywhere and top notch performances. The three rows of seating in the round are spacious and offer views that just about put you in the action. There is a cozy bar in the front with all the Guinness you can handle, plus other spirits, of course. The lighting and sound are excellent and if you haven't been here already, you'll leave wanting to catch another play in the near future. I always liked going to places like Shea's for random events and plays and whatnot, but I never loved this type of live performance until I experienced it at Irish Classical Theatre and now I'm hooked. After the show, you're right near all the action downtown, so make a night of it. Tonight in particular, is our fourth play this season at ICTC, three of which were Saturday matinees, which is a great, relaxing and highly entertaining way to spend an afternoon, especially during our 8 winter months. Go and enjoy! read more

Irish Classical Theatre Company - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I always loved this little theater. Great shows and having the stage center is a nice change.