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Theatre D Digital brought its post-production
services to The Regent in 2002, preserving its
heritage and beauty while creating a contemporary
post-production and exhibition centre for filmmakers.
Theatres like The Regent, once a common site in
many of Canada's neighbourhoods, are disappearing
quickly. Out of approximately 45 movie houses
built during the same time period, Theatre D Digital
is one of the few remaining buildings that still
show films. It continues the trail of innovation
set by its predecessors.
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| Exterior of the Belsize Theatre and adjacent shops, Toronto, 1942 |
Interior of the Belsize Theatre, Toronto, 1942 |
Originally The Regent was opened as The
Belsize Theatre in 1927, as part of the Famous
Player chain. Built to screen silent films, such
as "It",
and the occasional vaudeville performance, by
1930, The Belsize had begun to showcase film’s
latest invention - “the talkies” –
much to the chagrin of its orchestral employees!
The renowned architect Murray Brown, designed
The Belsize. He studied at the Royal Academy and
later worked with Charles Cobb, eventually forming
his own firm in 1930. Murray Brown not only designed
the Belsize Theatre in Toronto, but also the Capitol
Theatres in Port Hope, Saskatoon and Halifax.
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| Promotional Poster for "It", circa 1927 |
Exterior of the Crest Theatre from Belsize Drive, Toronto, circa 1950 |
In 1950, the theatre was deteriorating and was
closed to undergo some renovations. Opening later
that year under a new name, The Crest proclaimed
itself "Tops in Beauty, Comfort and Entertainment."
With the advent of television, the audience numbers
dwindled and The Crest closed its doors in 1954.
Almost immediately, the Davis Brothers, Murray
and Donald leased the theatre.
The 1st
ad for The Crest Theatre Company, circa
1953
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Determined to run a repertory
theatre (something that at the time was
almost unheard of in Canada), with new theatrical
productions opening every 2 weeks, The Crest
became a showcase
for upcoming Canadian actors, writers and
directors. What Murray and Donald Davis
created is considered the source of professional
theatre in Canada. Without their efforts,
there would be no Stratford Theatre, Soulpepper,
Canadian Stage Company, Buddies in Badtimes
or the dozens of other independent companies
across Canada. The Crest Theatre was considered
an important training ground for a generation
of Canadian actors. Actors who walked the
stage of the Crest Theatre include; Barbara
Chilcott, Donald Sutherland, Tom Kneebone,
William Needles, Martha Henry, Charmion
King, Kate Reid, Amelia Hall, Betty Leighton,
Barry Morse, Robert Goulet, Toby Robins.
Frances Hyland, Bruno Gerussi, Michael Snow,
Mavor Moore, John Hirsch, Herbert Whittaker
and Jackie Burroughs. Original plays by
Robertson Davies, Stanley Mann, Marcel Dube
and Bernard Slade were also produced by
the Crest Theatre Company. One hundred and
forty five productions, from classical scripts
to original plays, were produced before
financial burdens forced the closure of
the company in 1966. The Crest Theatre Company
and its venue are a valuable part of Toronto’s
history as one of the sources of professional
theatre in Canada. |
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Later in 1966, The Crest
resumed movie screenings. In 1988 and under
new ownership, the theatre became known
as The Regent.
Today, Theatre D Digital respects and celebrates
the history of the building at 551 Mount Pleasant
by highlighting some of the illustrious events
of the past and by forging a bright path towards
the future. |
The last ad for The Crest Theatre,
April 25, 1985 |
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