Royal Alexandra Theatre

Royal Alexandra Theatre 1907

There are two plaques at this location.
Both can be seen on this page.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted September, 2006

Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted February, 2010

In the entranceway to this 100-year-old theatre (as of 2007) at 260 King Street West are two plaques. This one is an Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque which has this to say:

Plaque coordinates: 43.647155 -79.387475

Constructed in 1906-1907, this theatre is an intimate but lavish version of the traditional 19th century theatre, with two balconies as well as side boxes. John M. Lyle (1872-1945), one of Canada's most distinguished architects of the 20th century, designed the Royal Alexandra Theatre following the Beaux-Arts style, thus providing an elegant setting for Toronto's sophisticated theatrical and musical events. Since its rescue and rejuvenation by Ed Mirvish in 1963, when it was to be demolished for a parking lot, this theatre again plays a central role in the social and cultural life of the city.

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted May, 2008

Photo Source - Wikimedia Commons

This one is a 2007 Heritage Toronto plaque which has this to say:

A vital part of Toronto's cultural history, the Royal Alexandra is one of North America's oldest, continuously operating theatres. An early work of Toronto architect John M. Lyle, the theatre was financed by a consortium headed by "Toronto's youngest millionaire", Cawthra Mulock. It was built in a prestigious neighbourhood, opposite the Lieutenant-Governor's residence (later demolished) and on the former property of Upper Canada College, and was designed in the Beaux-Arts style. Granted royal title in honour of Queen Alexandra, consort of King Edward VII, the theatre brought to Toronto touring productions from London and New York and internationally revered performers. In decline by the 1950s along with the surrounding neighbourhood, the Royal Alexandra Theatre was courageously rescued from demolition in 1963 by Toronto entrepreneur "Honest" Ed Mirvish, Under the direction of Ed and son David Mirvish, the fully restored "Royal Alex" sparked the rejuvenation of the area and the growth of Toronto's entertainment district.

Related Toronto plaques
Ed and Anne Mirvish Parkette
Upper Canada College

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Cultural Buildings

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Arts

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted February 27, 2009
My father-in-law was James H.B. Webster born 1870 in Leeds, Yorkshire. He emmigrated to Canada in 1907 with his first wife and his 5 children and lived here in Toronto. His full name was James Humble Benjamin Webster. He returned to England in 1937 with his second wife and their child, my husband, James SRH Webster. My James HB Webster was an interior designer who worked for years for Eatons and later had his own company. It is possible that he worked at carpentry when he first came to Toronto.
I wonder if your James HB Webster is my James HB Webster. You do not site any dates so I cannot tell.
If we indeed have a connection I can certainly give you information about this Webster family.

Posted November 5, 2008
My great great great grand father James H.B. Webster was a carpenter during the construction of the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
Gail

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