Classic Theatre
1300 Gerrard Street East,
Toronto,
ON
M4L 1Y7
1300 Gerrard Street East,
Toronto,
ON
M4L 1Y7
3 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Allen Theatres, Famous Players
Functions: Retail
Previous Names: Allen Theatre
Nearby Theaters
One of the oldest theaters in Toronto, the Classic Theatre opened in 1913. On January 26, 1920, it was taken over by the Allen Theatres chain and renamed Allen Theatre.
It is now a discount store. The theater is fully intact, and still retains its original dirt floor.
Given its current condition, the theater is probably not a candidate for any kind of renovation or restoration.
Contributed by
Jason R
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
No, it is the a theatre by the same name in Owen Sound, many miles to the north near the base of the Bruce Penninsula.
Various Toronto online directories indicate that there is a cafe/performance space or a hair salon at this address.
Here’s a picture of the building that once housed the Classic Theater:
View link
I renovated the buiding starting in 1997. As you can see from the picture, It now is the Home of the Centre of Gravity Circus & Side Show Coffee house. It does function as a theatre of sorts. The floor was, and is, sloped concrete with a 10 by 20 ft stage at the end. It functioned till 1957, as the Classic Theatre.It is now alive & well.
The Allen became the Tivoli in 1923.
The Allen that became the Tivoli was downtown at Richmond and Victoria streets. This is not that Allen. This is in the east end on Gerrard St.
I was referring to the picture of the"New Allen" in in the article posted by Tinseltoes; the picture in the article is definitely the Tivoli.
Hi there, this theatre is actually being renovated, and will be used for a variety of activities in 2018! It is more of a live performance theatre, but if it is in the cards, we will add cinema to the offering!
We would also like to learn more about the history of this building.
https://www.insidetoronto.com/whatson-story/7868515—exciting-future-envisioned-for-unique-east-toronto-venue/
Cheers!
Maria