Visiting Plaza Theatre is like opening an old book. Just like the smell and the touch of the pages, the theatre’s retro furnishings, '80s carpeting and classic movie posters are familiar and comfortable. You fall in love with the place over and over again whenever you tear your ticket stub.
A fixture in Kensington Village, The Plaza, as it’s known to its loyal patrons, continues to present the art-house films that have been its bread and butter for decades as well as critically acclaimed second-run Hollywood movies on its single screen. It also presents live theatre and musical performances. The theatre has been an entertainment staple here since 1935, and in that time, its four separate owners have made an effort to keep up the its quirky, campy style.
In the small, main lobby, just past the ticket window, you'll find a low-slung, brown couch to sink into while your date purchases popcorn and drinks. And like a teenager’s bedroom, the washrooms are plastered with movie and music posters, one on top of the other, on the walls and stalls. In the theatre's seating area, the screen features a red curtain and a raised stage. Manager Logan Cameron has worked here since 2013 and says the purpose of The Plaza is to add a dose of nostalgia to the theatregoing experience.
“It’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else, he says. “I think it is the age and the little quirks that you’ll find in every corner of the theatre. Like, this paint scheme is not relevant whatsoever, but I’m sure it was at some point. It’s just fun for people to experience.”
