As construction began in January 2007, the DDDA reportedly proposed the Grand Canal Theatre to the State (Department of Arts and Culture) or the Abbey Theatre, or as a new venue for National Concert Hall, but neither were able to meet the cost of fit-out (circa €4m), or handle the scale of the venue. The theatre was purchased by Dublin Docklands-based businessman Harry Crosbie (co-owner of Point Theatre, now 3Arena, amongst other docklands properties) for €10m in July 2007 from Joe O'Reilly. Crosbie borrowed the purchase price, plus another €3.8m for the fit-out, from Allied Irish Banks ("AIB"). Crosbie then leased the management contract for the Grand Canal Theatre to Live Nation (who were also co-owners, and managers, of the 3Arena). Crosbie officially opened the Grand Canal Theatre with a performance of "Swan Lake" by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia on 18 March 2010. The Grand Canal Theatre was formally renamed the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on 7 March 2012 as part of a 6.5-year naming rights deal with Bord Gáis Energy worth a reported €4.5 million (or €700k per year). The theatre was put into receivership by the NAMA in April 2013. Crosbie's AIB theatre loans had been transferred to NAMA, however, Crosbie had larger loans with NAMA on various docklands projects (e.g. Point Village). He unsuccessfully fought the foreclosure by NAMA's receiver, Grant Thornton. Grant Thornton took control of the theatre for NAMA, however Live Nation continued to manage the venue and support the sales process with CBRE. The theatre was sold in September 2014 on behalf of Grant Thornton for €28m (twice what Crosbie paid in 2007, and 40% above CBRE's €20m asking), to Bernie and John Gallagher (of Doyle Hotels), one of Ireland's richest hotel couples. They had not previously owned a theatre or concert venue. LiveNation remain as venue managers (not clear if this is Harry Crosbie's original lease or a new management agreement with Bernie and John Gallagher). Filed accounts (including 2014 CBRE sales materials), indicate that the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre:   As per above, the Bord Gáis Energy theatre imply that circa 90% of the events are West-End musicals and West-End theatre shows. The following West End shows have been shown in the theatre:  The following other notable performances have been shown in the theatre: