History of Imperial Theatre
For more than a century, Imperial Theatre has been part of Saint John’s cultural story.
From its grand opening in 1913 as one of Eastern Canada’s finest theatres, through its years as Capitol Theatre and later as a place of worship, to its restoration and reopening in 1994, the building has remained a landmark of community, performance, and possibility.
Today, Imperial Theatre continues to honour that legacy by welcoming artists, audiences, students, and community members into one of Saint John’s most beloved cultural spaces. Its history is not only preserved in the building itself, but carried forward in every performance.
ACT I: 1913
The Original Imperial Theatre
On September 19, 1913, the Grand Formal Opening of Imperial Theatre took place featuring some of Saint John’s finest talent of the day.
Billed as the ‘Finest Theatre in Eastern Canada,’ Imperial Theatre was tooled with the best amenities available from its water piping to its theatrical equipment.
The structure was built and financed by the Keith-Albee Chain of vaudeville houses and was erected upon the site of the Lyceum Theatre that was destroyed during the Great Fire of Saint John in 1877.
Walter Golding, the theatre’s original manager, brought many theatrical events to the city, many of which were the biggest names in entertainment, including actress Ethel Barrymore, march king, John Phillip Sousa, and, it is rumoured, illusionist Harry Houdini.
ACT II: 1929
Capitol Theatre
With the increasing popularity of movies and the advent of “talkies,” Imperial Theatre was leased by the Famous Players and R.K.O. and renamed Capitol Theatre.
Famous Players later purchased a half-interest and Capitol Theatre became part of a chain of 700 first class movie theatres stationed throughout North America.
While movies were the mainstay of the chain, live performances continued to be offered during the days of the Capitol Theatre.
ACT III: 1957
The Full Gospel Assembly
With the rising competition from television during the 1950s, Capitol Theatre, like many other movie theatres throughout North America, closed its doors.
The Davis sisters, from the United States, purchased the theatre for $166,000 and donated the building to the Full Gospel Assembly Pentecostal Church.
Upon completing extensive renovations, it was used as a place of worship for next 25 years.
ACT IV: 1994
The Grand Finale – Imperial Theatre
In August 1982, a local group decided that the building should again be home to the performing arts in Saint John.
In November of that same year, the Full Gospel Assembly signed an agreement with a group of devoted theatre patrons and the Bi-Capitol Project was born.
A one dollar down payment was made with the promise that a cheque for a further $999,999 would be signed in one year. With the overwhelming support of the community, this promise was kept. Over the next 11 years, the theatre was reconstructed to its original 1913 grandeur.
The official reopening of Imperial Theatre was held on May 24, 1994.
