Toronto is home to numerous theatres, but Runnymede Theatre remains a lost cultural landmark with a rich and fascinating history. Learn more about its legacy on toronto-trend.com.
Architectural Marvel
The history of Runnymede Theatre began in 1927. Designed by Toronto architect Alfred Chapman, the father of renowned Toronto filmmaker Chris Chapman, the theatre was constructed by the “Capitol” company. The meticulously crafted design resulted in a historic theatre with a seating capacity of 1,550. The construction cost $25,000, and Runnymede Theatre was often referred to as the most beautiful theatre in Canada.
The two-storey building featured a striking red brick façade, with an ornate central section adorned with detailed stonework and intricate brick patterns around the windows. The theatre’s ceiling was painted sky blue and decorated with frescoes, creating a stunning visual experience.
One of its most captivating features was the simulated movement of stars on the ceiling, giving audiences the illusion of sitting under an open, starlit sky. This effect was achieved through specialized lighting. The auditorium was lavishly adorned with plaster mouldings, tall columns, wall sconces, and intricate decorative details crowning the pilasters.
A Spectacular Opening
Runnymede Theatre was Toronto’s first vaudeville theatre and featured a unique ceiling effect that mimicked moving clouds. It officially opened on June 2, 1927, with a large crowd gathered to witness the Moorish-style architectural masterpiece. The theatre debuted with films on its big screen.
It quickly gained fame for its musical and stage shows, attracting talented singers and actors. The theatre became a popular destination for Toronto’s elite, hosting performances that enthralled audiences until 1930, when it was converted into a cinema.
In 1972, the building was repurposed as a bingo hall. Eight years later, the iconic venue was restored, and two large screens were installed, reopening as a cinema.
By 1998, the venue continued to delight audiences with films, but high operating costs, including a $35,000 monthly rent, led to its permanent closure in 1999. That year, a Toronto-based company acquired the building.
In 1999, the bookstore chain “Chapters” took over the building, spending over $3.5 million on renovations. In 2014, the bookstore’s lease ended, and the property was repurposed again. By 2015, a pharmacy became the building’s new occupant.
Fascinating Facts About Runnymede Theatre
- A Haunted Legend: According to legend, the theatre is haunted by the ghost of a young woman who died on stage years ago when a sandbag fell on her. Employees of the theatre and bookstore have reported unusual occurrences in the building.
- A Canadian Icon: Runnymede Theatre was famously called the “Canadian theatre of beauty.”
- Heritage Designation: In 1990, Toronto’s city council designated the theatre as a cultural heritage site.
- Final Screening: When the theatre closed in 1999, its final screening featured the film You’ve Got Mail.
- The Name’s Origin: The theatre’s name dates back to the early 1800s when businessman John Scarlett owned a large tract of land north of Bloor Street and west of Keele Street. In 1838, Scarlett built a house named Runnymede on this land.
