An Evening In A Repertory Theatre
A view of the audience as they wait for the orchestra to arrive for the night’s showing of Nosferatu.
Image Source: CultureSlate
What is a repertory cinema? A repertory cinema, also called a revival house, is a cinema that specializes in showing second-run, classic, notable, or cold films. Ottawa has two repertory cinemas: Bytowne Cinema and today's subject, the Mayfair Theatre.
First opened in 1932, the Mayfair is Ottawa’s oldest active movie theatre. Its programming includes indie, classic, and second-run films. Going to the Mayfair is an experience, especially if you pick the right movie. The theatre shows movies both in digital format as well as 35mm film format for specific classics. The theatre is particularly noted for its double features and regular showings of cult films like the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
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The box office opens half an hour before the day’s first show. The tickets are reasonably priced, with regular showings at $12.50 for non-members and $8 for members. Further special pricing is available for seniors and children and special events. Regulars can get an annual membership for $14.00.
The Mayfair is also known as an atmospheric theatre, a type of cinema design popular in the 1920s meant to evoke a particular feel through projection, architecture, and ornamentation. The theatre is done in the Spanish colonial revival style, highlighted by the faux balconies, the painting and plastering, and the decorative metalwork.
A view of one of the faux balconies, featuring Ottawa’s last remaining auditorium clock.
Image Source: CultureSlate
Another one of the faux-balconies.
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Once you walk through the main entrance, concessions and bathrooms are to your left. The concession store sells a variety of concessions (obviously), including popcorn popped in an old machine with real butter, as well as souvenirs from classic films. It also has a variety of memorabilia on display, including three spoons signed by Tommy Wiseau of The Room, another mainstay cult film for the theatre.
When you finally enter the theatre itself, seating is on two levels. If you're lucky and get there early, you could get one of the couches at the front of the balcony. Once you are seated in the main theatre, there are several elements to check out around you. The main screen can be seen from anywhere in the theatre, and sitting in the balcony area towards the back is a definite plus if you are attending a movie screening involving live elements like the annual shadow cast performances of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. These are events where a troupe of actors acts out scenes from the movie in front of the screen while the film is playing. The Mayfair does indulge in Rocky Horror’s audience participation, but encourages attendees to refrain from dirtying the theatre as much as possible.
For some reason, they have a Han Solo in carbonite next to the projection booth windows.
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The projection window.
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Designated as a heritage building by the city of Ottawa, the Mayfair continues to support itself through several initiatives. You can rent the theatre marquee outside the theatre to deliver a custom message, become a patron of the theatre and get your own nameplate, or rent the space for a personal event. Finally, you can support the theatre through merchandise like movie posters, vintage marquee tiles, and 35mm film movie trailers.
Simply put, there is nothing quite like going to the Mayfair. You can get the comfort of new and old favorites with the added elements of a unique experience. My recent visit to see Nosferatu with live music is one such experience. The Mayfair theatre definitely does not disappoint.
A view of where the musicians are set up for the evening’s show.
Image Source: CultureSlate
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Source(s): Mayfair Theatre, Wikipedia
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