RUNNYMEDE THEATRE 1927
Title
RUNNYMEDE THEATRE 1927
Description
Originally a Famous Players theatre for both vaudeville performances and movies, the Runnymede Theatre was designed in the Classical style by the architecture firm Chapman and Oxley. The tall centre section of the brick building is capped by a decorative cornice and features a distinctive ornamental panel. The windows of the building’s flanking two-storey sections duplicate the round-arch detail of its centre panel. Marketed as “Canada’s Theatre Beautiful”, the 1,400-seat theatre was one of the first Atmospheric-style auditoriums in the country. Elaborate murals and a ceiling painted to resemble the sky gave patrons the illusion of sitting outdoors.
As interest in vaudeville declined in the 1930s, the Runnymede became a movie theatre only, films being so popular that additional seats were added. In 1972, the building was converted for use as a bingo hall. Movies returned to a renovated, two-screen Runnymede Theatre from 1980 until 1999, after which it was adapted for retail use.
Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, 1990
HERITAGE TORONTO 2014
As interest in vaudeville declined in the 1930s, the Runnymede became a movie theatre only, films being so popular that additional seats were added. In 1972, the building was converted for use as a bingo hall. Movies returned to a renovated, two-screen Runnymede Theatre from 1980 until 1999, after which it was adapted for retail use.
Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, 1990
HERITAGE TORONTO 2014
Creator
Sarah J. McCabe
Date
September 27, 2021
Files
Collection
Citation
Sarah J. McCabe, “RUNNYMEDE THEATRE 1927,” Historic Plaques of Ontario: An Omeka Demo Site, accessed April 19, 2024, https://ontarioplaques.omeka.net/items/show/455.