A Short History of the Palace Theatre Arts Commons in London, Ontario
Image from the official PTAC site: “Palace Theatre Arts Commons — Our Story”
The Palace Theatre is a fixture in the arts scene in London, Ontario. It is also an important heritage site in the city.
I have been working to help bring attention to the theatre, which was an important part of my creative formative years during the 1970s and 1980s. I thought I’d share a brief history of it with you today. I’ve cited the information below to provide sources as best as possible.
Beginnings
Harry Hyatt and his family built the Palace Theatre in 1929. It was said to be, “London’s first high-class neighbourhood theatre.” Hyatt, a specialist in stone construction, was also the force behind the London Life building and former City Hall. The Palace showed silent movies, the first being Synthetic Sin (1929), starring Colleen Moore. According to Cinema Treasures, the facility opened on 11 March 1929 and had a seating capacity of 879 people. The staff is pictured here, in 1931:
A photograph of the image in the foyer of The Palace Theatre, taken by TSJ (2025)
When The Depression hit, the doors to the theatre closed for a time.
As movies became more popular, the theatre reopened. In 1951, it underwent renovations and was rebranded The Park. Here it is in 1957; you can see the marquee on the left (North) side of Dundas St.:
Dundas Street with The Park on the North side. Movies on marquee: Sweet Smell of Success and Istanbul, both from 1957. Image from Western University Archives.
In 1966, the the wide CinemaScope curved screen was installed, which was unique in London. The first film shown on it was The Battle of the Bulge.
Image from FB Group, Vintage London, Ontario; picture cited there as 28 April 1966 and originating from the Western University Archives
The Park remained open until 1989, playing the most popular movies, from Ben Hur to 2001: A Space Odyssey to Jaws to Star Wars to Raiders of the Lost Ark to Top Gun. Audiences watched on that magnificent curved theatre screen. Sadly, The Park closed in 1989 and went up for sale.
From FB group, Vintage London, Ontario. The Park theatre for sale after 1989 closure.
The PTAC
The London Community Players (LCP) purchased the building in 1991 and reopened as The Palace Theatre Arts Commons. The group has “brought pure magic” to the stage, due to the unrelenting work of volunteers. The building was renovated, and the facility continues to be an historically-significant and beautiful fixture in London, Ontario. In 1991, the City of London designated The Palace as an historic site under the Ontario Heritage Act. Plays this year include The Rocky Horror Show, Deathtrap, Elf Jr., Mamma Mia!, and Scooped.
Image from Tourism London
Inside the Theatre
Today The Palace Theatre is elegant and sophisticated, a living testament to a past time of glitz and glamour. The chandeliers, the ticket booth, and even the restored original restrooms are living history.
Image from Tourism London
In recent months, I have tried to showcase the theatre and its current needs. Here is the first video in a six-part series, where I take viewers on a look inside. It’s also a plea for help.
The complete series of videos inside the theatre can be viewed here.
The Palace needs your help. Please consider:
- Donating to the Palace Theatre.
- Buying tickets to a show this season, and the next, and the next … etc.
- Consider setting up a monthly donation to the Palace Theatre.
- If you are a business owner, consider sponsoring an entire show!
- Become a member.
- Buy a gift certificate and give the gift of entertainment to a loved one.
— Timothy S. Johnston, 31 October 2025
Sources
The Palace Theatre Arts Commons — Our Story
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