Metro Theatre

Metro Theatre is a cornerstone of the Marpole community, bringing people together to celebrate the magic of live theatre. Since its founding in 1962, Metro Theatre has been a training ground for emerging performers, a home for seasoned artists, and a place where creativity thrives.

Metro Theatre began as the brainchild of Ruth Cunningham, Eleanor Heath, and Jack Richards. They dreamed of creating a theatre space that could serve as a fully equipped home for Vancouver’s community theatre artists. They envisioned a place where performers and technicians could learn from one another, grow their skills, and present their best work.

By 1962, this dream became a reality. The Marpole Movie Theatre, a once-derelict venue dating back to the 1930s, was chosen as the foundation of this ambitious project. Eleven theatre companies—including the White Rock Players, Vagabond Players, and West Vancouver Theatre Guild—banded together to launch Metro’s inaugural season. The business community, led by notable supporters like Donald C. Cromie, played a critical role in establishing Metro Theatre as a new beacon of the performing arts in Vancouver.

Metro Theatre officially opened its doors in September 1964 with a gala performance of Dark of the Moon, produced by the White Rock Players. Over the decades, Metro has grown into a creative hub for actors, directors, and technicians. Acclaimed performers like Robert Clothier, Brent Carver, and recently Bernard Cuffling, have refined their craft on our stage, while rising talents have gained invaluable experience on stage and behind the scenes. Metro has also become a training ground for young technicians, many of whom have gone on to prominent careers in theatre and film.

Metro Theatre has always been more than a stage—it’s a gathering place for community and a home for collaboration. In 1985, Gordon Fairclough and John Crittenden opened the Oak Street Scene Shop, providing a dedicated space for set building and rehearsals. That same year, they launched Metro Theatre’s first British-style Christmas pantomime, Babes in the Magic Wood, a co-production with Delta Players. This marked the beginning of a cherished annual tradition.

Today, Metro Theatre is a dynamic space where tradition meets innovation. From productions of timeless classics, to emerging artists, from training the next generation of technicians to the beloved yearly panto, Metro Theatre remains dedicated to fostering the joy of live theatre.