The historic Regent Theatre has had a rags-to-riches history.
Opened in 1918, it has alternately exalted and suffered through changes in the entertainment industry and the whims of its audiences - presenting both film and live shows through the years.
Situated on Main Street in picturesque Picton Ontario, the historic Regent Theatre is the centre for the arts
in Prince Edward County, providing the community
with a unique venue for live theatre and music. First run movies and Cinefest, part of the Film Circuit of the Toronto International Film
Festival, round out the offerings of The Regent making it a diverse venue that truly reflects its community.
Click here for more information about historic moments in Prince Edward County
A rare example of an Edwardian opera house, The Regent's stage was
reported to be equal in size to that of The Royal Alexandra Theatre in
Toronto, however this has been disputed and was verified to be incorrect
in 2010. Above the stage is a 18.7 meter (62 foot) fly tower. Original dressing room includes blackboards lining the walls where, in a former era, performers wrote their show's running order.
Designed by Toronto architects Warrington and Page for George Cook, The Regent
Theatre opened its doors in February 1922 with the Canadian war comedy
Mademoiselle from Armentiers.
In 1994 The Regent Theatre Foundation, a community based, not-for-profit organization,
bought the theatre from the Cook family. Since that time the Foundation
Board and volunteers have toiled to restore the theatre as close to its
original state as possible. In 1998 the stage was opened up, the fly
tower was re-rigged and made operational and the theatre's roof was
replaced. Later installations and upgrades included 351 comfortable,
modern seats, new fire doors, electronic alarm system, and electrical
service. The building was brought into compliance with fire and safety
regulations and received a designation as an historical building.
Significant enhancements over the years have added features such as the
lighted marquee, the magnificent Austrian crystal chandeliers that grace
the lobby and air conditioning.
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For more
information call The Regent Theatre at
613.476.8416 or toll free 877.411.4761 or,
Send mail to
Info@TheRegentTheatre.org
with questions and/or comments about this
web site.