A four-hour drive from St. John’s, Newfoundland, the coastal town of Bonavista is a special blend of old and new. Coined “a colourful place to work, play and live”, its centuries of culture and history set the perfect scene for the Garrick Theatre. Constructed before the island joined Canada, the Garrick will soon celebrate its 80^th anniversary.

The big premiere

On Christmas Day in 1945, 21-year-old John Bradley first opened the doors of the Garrick Theatre in Bonavista, N.L. Times were good. Enlivened by the end of the War, a thriving fishery and a new, cold storage facility that employed hundreds, residents gathered to experience the new playhouse.

Thriving for its first three decades in business, the Garrick was open seven nights a week, plus Saturday matinees. It quickly became a community hub, attracting locals and residents from nearby towns wanting to see the newest film. According to the theatre’s website, patrons would socialize in the lobby; many helped employees take tickets and clean. It was a place where the community came together.

 

Hard times

Although the Garrick had its fair share of challenges over time, its most significant came in 1992. The cod moratorium impacted fishing communities across N.L., including Bonavista. In just under a decade, the town’s population declined by over 35 per cent, with several people relocating to seek employment. Many businesses struggled and closed.

The Garrick Theatre held on for some time but eventually closed its doors in 2000 because operations were no longer profitable.

 

The sequel

As Bonavista rebuilt from its dependence on the fishery, tourism became a major contributor to its economy. In 2003, the Garrick Theatre was donated to the Bonavista Historical Society and the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation by its original owner, John Bradley and his family. The goal was to revitalize the Garrick as a social enterprise for the community. One of many restoration projects of the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation, such initiatives are not just about reviving historic properties but adding to the quality of life in the area.

After years of funding and renovations, the Garrick reopened on April 3, 2010.

 

Still playing

Today, operations continue at the Garrick Theatre in Bonavista, N.L. In the 211-seat historic theatre, patrons can enjoy live performances and viewings of mainstream cinema. This year, preparations are underway for the theatre’s thirteenth season of the Garrick Summer Series — an annual program of live music, comedy, theatre, readings, film and more in partnership with other venues across the province.

After 79 years, the show goes on.

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