The Festival was founded last year to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde and is the first of its kind in Europe. The programme includes sixteen works that are either by gay authors or have a gay character or relevance and is open to all audiences.

Full length dramas and comedies will provide the flagship productions of a programme that will also feature 'theatre shorts', play readings, musical theatre and late night shows. Open discussion forums, free community theatre, black comedies and matinee performances will all be added to this year's extended programme.

Two plays from the Edinburgh Festival are among the UK productions in the International section of the 2005 Festival programme that also includes works from Australia, America, France and Canada. One 'World Premiere' and seven 'Irish Premieres' have been confirmed to date and acclaimed production companies from Dublin, Cork and Kildare feature strongly.

The Festival will expand its 'theatre shorts' section of one hour plays to three pairs that centre around a common theme. The International shorts, based around the theme of 'relationships' will look at the issue of gay domestic violence and bisexuality. The Irish shorts will focus on 'coming out' for both lesbians and gay men as the concept of 'citizenship' from the origins of the trial of Oscar Wilde to new contemporary works presented by a youth theatre group.

This year's Festival will take place at seven Dublin city centre venues, namely ; The Project Arts Centre, Andrews Lane Theatre, The Focus Theatre, The Teachers Club (T@36 Parnell Square), The Cobalt Café, Temple Bar Music Centre and the Centre Stage Café.

Supported by Dublin City Council Arts Office, the Second International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival concludes with a Gala Night performance on Sunday, 15th May. Regular updates on the festival are available from the official website : www.dublingaytheatrefestival.com .

Tickets are priced as low as possible to encourage accessibility and are on sale from the Central Ticket Bureau, 33 Eden Quay, Dublin 1, telephone : 01 8721122 or internet : www.centralticketbureau.com .

Additional information may be obtained from John H Pickering at 00353 86 1620503