Capitol Theatre

The Capitol was one of a few theatres in Canada that boasted two separate entrances. It was designed by Thomas Lamb, noted theatre architect. Originally there was an orchestra pit and a theatre organ. The organ was removed c1947. The grand entrance and foyer was located on Portage Avenue and theatregoers accessed the theatre via an inclined ramp and staircase. This entrance served strictly as a very grand, elaborately decorated, damask & mirror covered foyer hung with crystal chandeliers and wall sconces. It was connected to the theatre proper at the balcony level by an enclosed bridge spanning the alley behind Portage Avenue. Patrons wishing to sit on the main floor had to descend via another staircase. In the conversion to two screens, this entrance was sacrificed and the connecting link to the theatre was demolished. The secondary entrance on Donald St, much less grand, was maintained as the sole entry to the theatre. The theatre itself was demolished in the summer of 2003.