By: Stephanie Sturino

With a history spanning close to 100 years, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is the last operating double-decker theatre in the world. Built in 1913 and nestled in the heart of the city, the magnificent Edwardian style theatre offers a glimpse at the city’s cultural history and roaring past.

Today, the restored theatre, a National Historic Site, includes a variety of rental spaces, including the extraordinary opportunity of hosting a dinner reception on the stage of the Winter Garden theatre. Definitely a must for those couples that wish to revel in the spotlight, the stage offers space for an intimate dinner of 80 people. A seat on the famous vaudeville-era stage presents a panoramic view of the grand outdoor-garden themed theatre along with the contrasting scenery of backstage theatre production, which includes stage ropes and trussing. With hand painted walls meant to resemble an outdoor garden, and its ceiling a collection of natural beech leaves and twinkling lanterns, the Winter Garden is some kind of Midsummer Night’s fantasy.

The theatre centre offers other spaces such as their cascading lobbies and larger lounges that can hold up to 200 people.

Snapshot

Location: 189 Yonge Street

Contact: Kevin Harris 416-314-3585

First Impressions: vintage, enchantingly intimate, a theatrically grand space

Capacity: Winter Garden Theatre Stage, 80 people for sit down; Largest lounge – Thomas Lamb Lounge – 200 people for sit down

Facilities: Couples receive basic facilities with rental of space, there is no kitchen

Venue Price: Stage: $2,900 flat rate for evening; All lounges are $800 per four hours

Exclusive caterers: Daniel et Daniel, Encore Food with Elegance; Herrera’s Catering; Urban Fare Catering; 10tation Catering

Perfect Shot: The vintage box office at the entrance of the theatre with the backdrop of the fast-paced city street captures that perfect mix of old and new. Also, the outright grandeur of the main staircase can create the ultimate classic shot.

Notes: A Special Occasion Permit from the LCBO is required, and must be obtained by the host.