Imperial Theatre – Saint John

On September 19, 1913, the Grand Formal Opening of the Imperial Theatre in Saint John featured some of the city’s most talented performers of the time.

Regarded as the ‘Finest Theatre in Eastern Canada,’ the Imperial Theatre was equipped with top-of-the-line amenities, from water piping to theatrical equipment. Constructed and financed by the Keith-Albee Chain of vaudeville houses, it was built on the site of the Lyceum Theatre, which had been destroyed in the Great Fire of Saint John in 1877. The Imperial Theatre is renowned for its early 20th-century Neo-Classical architecture, designed by Philadelphia architect Albert Westover.

The Neo-Classical style is visible in the building’s monumental massing, the intricate classical entablature on the upper storey, and the three-storey segmented arch at the center of the front entrance.

The interior decor is equally noteworthy, featuring plasterwork by Philadelphia artisans and marble craftsmanship by Italian professionals. English porcelain and electrical fixtures from the Arts and Crafts shops of Cassidy, New York, were also installed.

Walter Golding, the theatre’s first manager, hosted numerous theatrical events featuring prominent names in entertainment, such as actress Ethel Barrymore, march king John Phillip Sousa, and reputedly, illusionist Harry Houdini.

As movies and “talkies” gained popularity, Imperial Theatre was leased by Famous Players and R.K.O., and subsequently renamed Capitol Theatre. Famous Players later acquired a half-interest, and the theatre became part of a chain of 700 first-class movie theaters across North America. Live performances continued during Capitol Theatre’s tenure.

However, with the growing competition from television in the 1950s, Capitol Theatre, like many other movie theaters, closed its doors. The Davis sisters from the United States bought the theater for $166,000 and donated it to the Full Gospel Assembly Pentecostal Church. After extensive renovations, it served as a place of worship for the next 25 years.

In August 1982, a local group resolved to return the building to its roots as a performing arts venue in Saint John. In November of that year, the Full Gospel Assembly reached an agreement with a group of dedicated theater patrons, leading to the creation of the Bi-Capitol Project.

A one-dollar down payment was made, with the promise of an additional $999,999 within a year. Thanks to overwhelming community support, the promise was fulfilled. Over the following 11 years, the theatre was restored to its original 1913 splendor.

The official reopening of the Imperial Theatre took place on May 24, 1994.

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