Metro Theatre

Metro Theatre

The Metropolitan Co-Operative Theatre Society was spawned by the need a number of small non-professional organizations had to pool resources. Finding performance space, costumes, lighting equipment, attracting box office and back stage volunteers and then addressing publicity and promotion was a daunting task for small theatrical groups.

The Metro was, therefore, formed by eleven struggling Companies and began life in the Kitsilano Community Hall on West 4th Avenue and Arbutus in 1963 with a production of The Hollow. The following year, the group raised sufficient cash to purchase the present Theatre on South West Marine Drive.

We have produced more than 450 shows in our 47 years of existence.  We do the most annual productions of all non-professional Companies in North America and probably most of the professional ones as well. Our income is derived from the box office, which means that we have to stay closely attuned to what the public actually wants to see for us to survive. 

Over the years the Metro has provided an amazing training facility for young actors, stage managers, carpenters, electricians and set decorators. Many have gone on to successful careers in the performing arts. The practical, hands-on and urgent experience gained at the Metro smoothed their entrance to professional work. Ultimately, then, Metro has carved a special place within the City's fabric and, whether or not its role can ever be defined, that place exists in the hearts and minds of the people who frequent our theatre, the workers and the players.

Website: http://www.metrotheatre.org

Past Events

  • Ali Baba

    Metro Theatre was the first to bring this British tradition to Vancouver and has done so ever since. A traditional British Christmas Pantomime that is popular in the holiday season Dec 16 - Jan 7, 2012 Metro Theatre

  • My Three Angels

    Comedy based on the French play, La Cuisine Des Anges. It tells of the interaction between a family of French colonists and three prisoners who help them with there circumstances. Nov 5 - Dec 3, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • Making A Killing

    A playwright, his conniving producer, and his actress wife hatch a plot to guarantee their new play will be a success: by faking the suicide of the playwright on opening night. Oct 1 - 29, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • False Pretences

    By Eric Chappell. A couple with in-law problems. The just-out-of-jail brother of the wife plants himself in their home for an indeterminate time. Mayhem ensues! Aug 27 - Sep 24, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • Harvey

    By Mary Chase. Jun 18 - Jul 16, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • Haunted

    A comedy/thriller by Eric Chappell. May 7 - Jun 4, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • 42nd Street

    The source from which all modern musicals flow: An ailing Broadway director returns to produce one final show, but his leading lady is injured and must be replaced by a novice. Apr 2 - 30, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • The Dining Room

    by A.R. Gurney. An affectionate but also powerfully sardonic look at the American petty bourgeoisie of New England in the middle of the twentieth century. Feb 19 - Mar 19, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • Here On The Flight Path

    A hilarious look at a screwed-up nerd's relationship with three attractive women that rips the lid off male-female relationships. Sunday Matinees 2pm Jan 23 and Feb 6. Jan 15 - Feb 13, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • Cinderella

    a traditional English Pantomime, produced by the theatre who first brought English pantomimes to Vancouver! Written and adapted by: Johnny Duncan Dec 18 - Jan 8, 2011 Metro Theatre

  • Spirit Level

    A ghost story with comedic overtones by Pam Valentine Nov 6 - Dec 4, 2010 Metro Theatre

  • The Unexpected Guest

    Agatha Christie's brilliant murder mystery loaded with the usual red herrings. Oct 2 - 30, 2010 Metro Theatre

  • Brighton Beach Memoirs

    a coming of age comedy offering a hilarious portrait of the American family by Neil Simon. Aug 28 - Sep 25, 2010 Metro Theatre

  • Twentieth Century

    Ludwig's adaptation of Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur's 1932 screwball comedy. Jun 19 - Jul 17, 2010 Metro Theatre

  • And Then There Were None

    By Agatha Christie In this famous play, a variety of people form different walks of life are lured to a remote island by various means and then, one by one are murdered May 8 - Jun 5, 2010 Metro Theatre

  • Opening Night

    While celebrating their anniversary at the theatre the Tisdales meet the director and the actors who have problems of their own. Apr 3 - May 1, 2010 Metro Theatre

  • A Nice Family Gathering

    In a holiday family gathering emotions run high and children reveal things about themselves that their parents don't always want to hear. Feb 27 - Mar 27, 2010 Metro Theatre

  • Strictly Murder

    British Thriller Jan 16 - Feb 13, 2010 Metro Theatre

  • Dick Whittington and his Cat

    Highlight of the festive season with many of the usual pantomime favourites back again to entertain you Dec 18 - Jan 9, 2010 Metro Theatre