THE product mix will have to he seriously looked at," declares John Costigan, the dew Executive Director of the Gaiety Theatre. He was appointed by Break for the Border plc, who bought the theatre from Gerry O'Reilly in February of this year. His theatre experience includes many years with the Abbey Theatre, as Head of Production and as touring manager.

He is committed to the traditional backbone of the theatre's programme, the panto, the DGOS and Groundwork productions (such as the successful John B. Keane series), and says the theatre will still be "fundamentally a drama venue". He will attempt to "cherry pick" the best of the UK musicals, strengthening links with the Cork Opera House and the Belfast Grand Opera House, to make touring more cost effective for overseas companies.

The venue's concert programme will also be beefed up with plenty of "middle of the road, sit down concerts", and Break for the Border's musical connections will be exploited the Friday and Saturday night late night club, he says, "cannot be dispensed with". He is also committed to a development programme for the grand old theatre building.