Alley Theatre

The Alley Theatre stands in Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is an arts complex with an auditorium, an art gallery and a tourist information centre. A bronze statue called Where Dreams Go, known locally as Ambrose the Pig, stands in its piazza. The building was designed by architects Glenn Howells and AJA and opened in 2007. The complex hosts drama festivals, music competitions and Irish music events each year. The theatre has won several awards for its work. These include the Green Apple Award for environmental regeneration and Building of the Year 2009 from the Royal Society of Ulster Architects. It also received the Suzy Lamplugh Trust award for workplace safety in 2010. The Allianz Arts and Business Award and the Access Award for disability access were given in 2009. Visitors find a busy arts venue with a large auditorium for performances. The art gallery displays changing exhibitions alongside the theatre’s foyer. Ambrose the Pig, an 8 ft bronze statue with Celtic patterns, overlooks the piazza. The piazza itself marks the site of Strabane’s former cattle and pig market from the 18th and 19th centuries. Travelling circuses once performed on the same ground.