The Columbia has been the entertaining audiences for almost one hundred years.
The Columbia Theatre opened in 1927 as the first "atmospheric theatre" in B.C.
Featuring “vaudeville + photo play”, a combination of cinema, vaudeville and live music set against the theatre’s Mediterranean garden murals and moorish grills, The Columbia transported audiences to other worlds by means of laughter, music and live entertainment.
After many notable changes throughout the last 91 years, The Columbia is back, ready to usher in a new era of live music, dinner shows, comedy and classic films, all in a contemporary cabaret style that is unique to Metro Vancouver.
Now under new management, The Columbia is home to Lafflines Comedy Club and Amicus Club. The main stage is re-named as the Qayqayt Stage to recognize and honour the Qayqayt First Nation and will feature buffet dinner and dance shows, classic film screenings, intimate concerts of all genres. The theatre is open five days a week, Wed. to Sun. from lunch until late.
Lafflines Comedy Club is the longest running independent comedy club in B.C. With a recently renovated Clubhouse featuring a"centre stage" flanked by classic Corinthian columns and wheelchair accessible ramp, Lafflines will play to host to rising stars and comedy legends. It also features a corner music stage for late night jazz and acoustic music.
Amicus Club Performing Arts Inc. features live music, multicultural dinner shows, films and other performing arts, aiming to promote harmonious diversity and intercultural understanding amongst the theatre’s attendees. In partnership with the Qayqayt First Nation, The Columbia will be producing a series of performances by aboriginal artists and cultural artists, paired with their traditional food and beverage.
The re-naming of its main venue as the “Qayqayt Stage” is a significant recognition of the aboriginal history, respect for their traditional rights and engagement in accordance with the Truth and Reconciliation Recommendations on business development.
“We are here to provide a great entertainment value by combining dining, entertainment and late night lounge experience under one roof” says Michael Hwang, Executive Producer at The Columbia. “We’ll also offer lunch and snacks combined with old classic movies and silent films.”
With an eclectic mix of food, art, and music ranging from burgeoning Canadian talent to the celebrated sights and sounds of the last century, The Columbia is set to reclaim its reputation as the premier arts space in B.C.
For information on events, tickets, rentals and more, visit thecolumbia.ca
