Prepared with files provided by the Grand Theatre.
One hundred and twenty-five years later to the day, the Grand Theatre will mark the anniversary of its first opening night and the first performance with a Backstage Bash on Wednesday, September 9.
The New Grand Opera House at 471 Richmond Street opened on September 9, 1901 with a performance of Way Down East. In the 125 years that have followed, the Grand has been a home for community and culture in the heart of Downtown London.
(Building the New Grand Opera House, 1901. Photo Supplied by the Grand Theatre.)
A symbol of London’s growing confidence, the New Grand Opera House could house up to 1,850 patrons, had its own phone number, and boasted a striking proscenium arch, painted by muralist Frederick S. Challener. Equipped with electricity and impressive stage technology, the Grand attracted the finest touring productions from across North America.
(The New Grand Opera House c. 1911. Photo Supplied by the Grand Theatre.)
Today, the original stage, arch, and mural still stand – untouched by transformational renovations to the building itself. More than 125 years later, the building continues to welcome audiences through the same doors, reminding us that great theatres are built not only of brick and stone, but of the people who fill them.
(The Grand Theatre’s Spriet Stage Today. Photo Supplied by the Grand Theatre.)
The Backstage Bash will welcome Londoners through the theatre’s backstage access and then directly onto the stage to celebrate. Audiences can stand on the 125-year-old stage while enjoying live music by KJ and Motones and Mark Swan’s GOOD HANG. Youth Opportunities Unlimited will be on site serving up BBQ favourites, and the Grand’s lobby bars will be open for the occasion.
Between bands and BBQ, guests are invited to explore three levels and more than a century of history on display throughout the theatre’s lobby spaces. The exhibition, Grand: 125 Years of Live Performance, will be open to the public for the first time at Backstage Bash and will remain on display for audiences throughout the Grand Theatre’s upcoming 2026/27 Season. The exhibition was curated by local historian and communicator, Jo Jennings, and features the work of Research Assistants Meghan Falco and Kira McCallum, students at Western University’s Faculty of Arts & Humanities.
The London Public Library joins the Grand in marking this milestone anniversary, with the Ivey Family London Room mounting a commemorative display featuring original artifacts throughout the month of September.
Londoners are invited to join the storytelling of the Grand’s 125th. The theatre is gathering its shared history, bringing together the stories of all those who have been part of the New Grand Opera House, London Little Theatre, Theatre London, the Grand Theatre – and all of the moments in between. Audiences, neighbours, artists, and staff are invited to share memories, moments, photos, and artifacts with the Grand on social media, via email to socialmedia@grandtheatre.com, or through the 125th anniversary website at grandtheatre.com/125.
(Grand Theatre Audience, c. 1918-1928. Hines’ Studio Collection. AFC341-51-19. Courtesy of Western Libraries – Archives and Special Collections, London, ON.)
Check out this YouTube video chronicling the history of the Grand Theatre: https://youtu.be/VItzB26goUc?si=5rlAYy7dgdoM6Fra
IF YOU GO:
What: Backstage Bash: 125 Years of Live Performance.
When: Wednesday, September 9, 4:00 pm.
Where: Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St.
London, ON.
Tickets: $10. Online at Home | The Grand Theatre, at the Box Office, or by phone at 519.672.8800.
More Information: To learn more about the Grand Theatre’s historic 125 years, visit grandtheatre.com/125.
The Beat Magazine 2025 