Ed Mirvish Theatre (Formerly the Canon Theatre)
Since opening in 1920, the Ed Mirvish Theatre has been both a venue for drama as well as the subject of drama

Originally opened in 1920 as the Pantages Theatre, the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto was a motion picture house and vaudeville theatre. At the time it was Canada's largest cinema with 3373 seats. It was built by the founder of the Famous Players Corporation Nathan Nathanson and designed by renowned theatre architect Thomas Lamb.
In 1930 the theatre was renamed the Imperial and was used exclusively for cinema. Forty-two years later in 1972 the interior of the theatre was divided up and converted into a 6 theatre cinema. In 1986 Famous Players lost its lease on the Yonge Street entrance to the theatre to Cineplex Odeon which resulted in a bitter legal battle for control of the theatre. In the end Cineplex Odeon was able to purchase the entire theatre from Famous Players and in 1988 Cineplex removed all the dividing partitions and painstakingly restored the theatre to it's original 1920's design and elegance, but with 2200 seats. In 2001 the theatre was again renamed to the Canon Theatre due to support pledged by the Canon Canada Corporation.
In 2008 Mirvish Productions who own the Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre also acquired the Canon theatre and have recently renamed it the Ed Mirvish Theatre.
For additional information about the Ed Mirvish Theatre and upcoming shows and events see the official website link below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesEd Mirvish Theatre Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Address: 244 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1V8, Canada
Phone: (800) 461-3333
Official Website: Ed Mirvish Theatre
Ed Mirvish Theatre Reviews
Rated
What a classic, beautiful theatre in the heart of downtown Toronto. Such a throwback to a time when they built things a lot nicer. Theatre was very clean and well kept. Modern bathrooms and the seats were comfortable. The drink prices were surprisingly fair as well. If you have the chance you should definitely come visit for a show and to see the theatre itself.
Steve Smith - 3 weeks ago
Fantastic theatre. Very clean. The decor is from another time, absolutely beautiful. All seats have a great view. Lots of bathrooms and drink bars. Reasonable prices on drinks and food. We parked at the Eaton center and walked across the street to the theatre.
Shad L - 2 months ago
Beautiful theatre, the details are stunning.
The only comment are the chairs are very uncomfortable and the end ones are definitely on the small side, but every show I’ve seen here is just amazing! We saw Beetlejuice last night but also saw Harry Potter here 2 years ago and both were the best plays I’ve seen in a long time!
Carly Fera - a month ago
We went and seen Back to the Future. I love the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre. Prices are fair for both shows and concessions once you get there. The theatre is easy to find. We took public transportation to the show , I'm not sure what parking is like.
The sound and lighting was great , seats are really comfortable.
Phil Phillips - a week ago
I went to see Back to the Future: The Musical at this theatre. This was my second Mirvish experience. This theatre is definitely an older vintage theatre. The lobby was quite packed before the show as it wasn't as big as the Princess of Wales Theatre lobbies. But the seats were much more comfortable. The staff was very friendly. I got the themed mocktail to drink and it was very tasty. The special effects of the musical were amazing. The show was five stars!
Ashley Casselman - 4 weeks ago
Directions
TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Yonge-University-Spadina | Dundas Station | 3 Minutes |
How to get to Ed Mirvish Theatre by TTC Subway
No buses needed. From Dundas Station walk 1 block east along Dundas Street to Victoria Street and go south (right) for ½ block. The Ed Mirvish Theatre is on your right.
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Photo Gallery
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The Ed Mervish Theatre cc licensed photo by Tilling 67 -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: booledozer - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr