All the world’s a stage: Vancouver theatres for performance

Vancouver has an impressive and diverse theatre culture. From local independent troupes to large-scale musicals, internationally acclaimed productions and major festivals, patrons of the arts have a wide array of choices when it comes to live theatre. Take in a show at one of these impressive stages across the city.

All the world’s a stage: Vancouver theatres for performance
Alison Cairns By

Queen Elizabeth Theatre

1
650 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5N6

Home to Vancouver Opera and Ballet BC, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver’s burgeoning “cultural precinct” has been a long-time fixture. Built in the ‘50s, its modernist design is timeless and sweeping, with entry onto an outdoor patio in summer, clean lines and open spaces. Major renovations over the decades have resulted in a spacious lobby and bar as well as a gallery showcasing artwork that can be appreciated during intermission. A show here is your chance to get glammed up in the city.

Arts Club Theatre Company

2
2750 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J3

The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage is a charming theatre on South Granville that draws crowds season after season with its can’t-miss line-ups of classic musicals and comedies and occasionally a dose of the unconventional. Part of the Arts Club group of theatres, you can bet that your theatre-going experience will be well oiled, with stellar performances from local and international troupes. With many shows starting at $25, this is affordable, cultural entertainment.

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The Revue Stage at Granville Island

3
1601 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9

Another venue that’s part of the Arts Club Theatre Company, The Revue Stage at Granville Island is located — obviously — on picturesque Granville Island, overlooking False Creek. Its location amid the pedestrian swarms of one of Vancouver’s most frequented areas, replete with restaurants and bars, makes for a wonderful, complete evening of dining and entertainment. Not shy about edgier performances, they also put on family-friendly productions as well, making this a well-rounded cultural institution.

Firehall Theatre Society

4
280 Cordova St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1L3

This gem of a theatre in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side runs as a non-profit organization, feeding funds from its ticket sales back into the space and the community in which it proudly resides. In the midst of Vancouver’s most challenging neighbourhood, the Fire Hall reflects its location with plays that are also challenging, controversial and thought-provoking. Through the season they perform an impressive 14 shows, while also hosting events like Dancing on the Edge and BC Buds, which showcases work by emerging artists. All in all, an eclectic and worthy performance space.

Performance Works

5
1218 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8

At the eastern end of Granville Island, near the Dockside and the hotel, a large industrial building stands as a kind of blank canvas for the performing arts. Staging plays, concerts, special events and gallery shows, Performance Works is a workhorse of a venue. In the theatre department, it is a proud partner of the PuSH Festival as well as showcasing independent theatre from around the city and farther afield throughout the year.

Vancouver East Cultural Centre

6
1895 Venables St, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H6

That The Cultch is now formally known by its nickname (it used to be called the Vancouver East Cultural Centre) is a testament to the laid-back vibe and community feel of this East Van institution. Known for its stellar productions of everything from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf to Famous Puppet Death Scenes, the centre draws on the feedback and desires of their surrounding community. This is excellent theatre, and the recent renovation included a very civilized bar and a refurb of the gorgeous seating inside.

More from Alison Cairns Alison Cairns
Alison Cairns has been working in writing and publishing for over a decade. A devoted Vancouverite, she loves exploring the hidden gems and new happenings — both cultural and culinary — in the city. She is also a lover of coffee, wine, craft beer and pretty much all food except sea urchin. She staves off the results of these loves by running the seawall, cycling the city and hiking the mountains.
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