From Cork to Wicklow and Sligo, management and owners behind the scenes are trying to keep their theatres going

In the hot seat — executive director Brian Fenton in Cork's Everyman theatre, which was built in 1897 and is a registered charity

In the hot seat — executive director Brian Fenton in Cork’s Everyman theatre, which was built in 1897 and is a registered charity

“Art isn’t easy. Even when you’re hot. Advancing art is easy. Financing it is not.”

So goes a lyric in Stephen Sondheim number Putting it Together from the 1984 musical Sunday in the Park with George.