{"id":2835,"date":"2025-02-13T11:43:53","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T15:43:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/?p=2835"},"modified":"2025-02-13T11:44:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T15:44:11","slug":"the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores","title":{"rendered":"The History of Ottawa\u2019s Nightclub and Concert Venue: Barrymore\u2019s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What was nightlife like in the past? Where did Ottawa\u2019s residents and visitors go for entertainment?<a href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/uk\/\"> Ottawa Trend <\/a>delves into the fascinating history of Barrymore\u2019s, a venue that has seen many transformations over the years. What stories do its walls hold? What moments were witnessed and later forgotten? Join us on a journey through Ottawa\u2019s entertainment history, starting from the early 20th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a1358efc3480\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a1358efc3480\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores\/#A_Brief_Overview_The_Evolution_of_the_Venue\" >A Brief Overview: The Evolution of the Venue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores\/#The_Imperial_Theatre_Ottawas_Grand_Venue\" >The Imperial Theatre: Ottawa\u2019s Grand Venue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores\/#The_Closure_of_the_Imperial_Theatre\" >The Closure of the Imperial Theatre<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores\/#A_Furniture_Store\" >A Furniture Store<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores\/#The_Strip_Club_Era_Pandoras_Box\" >The Strip Club Era: Pandora\u2019s Box<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores\/#Ottawas_Disco_Era_A_Popular_Nightclub\" >Ottawa\u2019s Disco Era: A Popular Nightclub<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores\/#Barrymores_Music_Hall_A_Legendary_Live_Music_Venue\" >Barrymore\u2019s Music Hall: A Legendary Live Music Venue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2835-the-history-of-ottawas-nightclub-and-concert-venue-barrymores\/#Barrymores_Centennial_Anniversary_100_Years_of_History\" >Barrymore\u2019s Centennial Anniversary: 100 Years of History<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Brief_Overview_The_Evolution_of_the_Venue\"><\/span>A Brief Overview: The Evolution of the Venue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Only a shadow of Barrymore\u2019s former glory remains today, but its history is as rich and dynamic as Bank Street itself. In 1914, the majestic Imperial Theatre opened, operating until 1955. Interestingly, one of its original frescoes still remains, serving as a historical reminder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the decades, the building transformed several times:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A storage facility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A furniture store<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A nightclub<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A strip club<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eventually, a legendary music hall, hosting stars and musical icons such as U2 and Tina Turner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxekl_foyteh4j_mglphajwk52xgsuz-wyww1ck9agj1q8kdnyllf7p7z55xbowvc9kylgvy1a4mnwkptt2yc4kndbo7wbarntx2-dc0vtix49ojrskzpwpqf8ofngfvyxkmz8lykey-cgnbu8g59w3fjoksfdjpksf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Imperial_Theatre_Ottawas_Grand_Venue\"><\/span>The Imperial Theatre: Ottawa\u2019s Grand Venue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Imperial Theatre opened its doors on August 24, 1914. It was widely recognized as one of Ottawa\u2019s finest theatres and was known as &#8220;Canada\u2019s Theatre Beautiful.&#8221; Located at 323 Bank Street, the venue could accommodate 1,091 guests, making it one of the city\u2019s largest and most beloved cinemas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The opening night was a spectacular event, featuring fanfare and searchlights illuminating the evening sky. The following day, the Ottawa Journal published a glowing review:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The Imperial Theatre has a truly metropolitan look from every angle\u2014both the interior and exterior exude remarkable elegance.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time, it was regarded as one of the most luxurious cinemas in Canada. The upper level was reserved for Ottawa\u2019s elite, offering a premium experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The theatre was developed by Harry Braus, a well-known entrepreneur who also built other cultural venues in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. He successfully filled his theatres with popular films, ensuring a steady flow of visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, just ten years after the Imperial Theatre opened, Harry Braus passed away at the young age of 53. The venue was later sold to Solomon and A.H. Coplan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the 1920s, the Imperial faced stiff competition from the newly opened Loew\u2019s Theatre. As a result, its popularity declined. Over time, the main audience became children, who frequently visited for serialized movie screenings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the 1930s, the theatre hosted Sunday religious services for the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The congregation was awaiting the completion of its own church building\u2014Metropolitan Bible Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ironically, 40 years later, the Imperial Theatre would transform into a venue for a very different kind of performance\u2014from Sunday worship to burlesque strip shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxe7mbjsh0a58wze2onpfr4d6aa15dib7ak3vz3ucll901esvnna_v4ywgfix5sunimrcnlutsnw_n1zfiybugcnujatguzmil3ml8krgvoxwrhdzy1echqcj4nnpbv5zv_vmwaftakey-cgnbu8g59w3fjoksfdjpksf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Closure_of_the_Imperial_Theatre\"><\/span>The Closure of the Imperial Theatre<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Following World War II, television became the dominant form of entertainment, causing many theatres to struggle financially. One by one, Ottawa\u2019s cinemas began shutting down\u2014including the Imperial Theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On October 15, 1955, the final screening took place, featuring the film &#8220;Johnny Dark&#8221;. That same evening, the doors were permanently closed, with a sign posted outside reading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Closed until further notice.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Imperial Theatre\u2019s final transformation occurred in 1955 (or 1956, according to some sources). The building was horizontally divided, with retail shops occupying the lower level. However, the upper floor\u2014which once housed the grand auditorium\u2014remained largely intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxfo5z9svs4zxmcls0kypffzhfhwe4xmres1skf0wpugutzjibahcty9t6xkdzgpjkx6fkemmvoksbeln8vxsitq5xnohn2__37xc5o31g6v0au65urec8njrtprqohq-mm5ezjlegkey-cgnbu8g59w3fjoksfdjpksf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Furniture_Store\"><\/span>A Furniture Store<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For approximately 15 years, the former Imperial Theatre became a furniture warehouse and retail store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The building was owned by Sam Rothman, who occasionally hosted private screenings upstairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxcjacddxpqxctuqq41wx7grqy4mzcnwclvt8qnqlxz3ggkptlcudsx7pxouoajfm5bk6iovfibv3ba4ym1g04ha7xygtwqbajgvcub7oaii62qdsqh64dvntqsn7vxuwfovlqqlkey-cgnbu8g59w3fjoksfdjpksf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Strip_Club_Era_Pandoras_Box\"><\/span>The Strip Club Era: Pandora\u2019s Box<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By the 1970s, the venue had undergone yet another transformation. It first operated as the Opera Discotheque, a hotspot for psychedelic rock and dance music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later, Dino Antonakos purchased the building, introducing Canada\u2019s first &#8220;nude burlesque house&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1971, the venue officially reopened as the strip club &#8220;Pandora\u2019s Box.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The audience changed dramatically. The once-elegant theatre became a hub for adult entertainment, featuring provocative performances and burlesque shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pandora\u2019s Box quickly gained popularity, overshadowing its main competitor, &#8220;Fanny\u2019s Cabaret,&#8221; which eventually relocated to ByWard Market to attract a new clientele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New York businessman Bob Verba praised Pandora\u2019s Box as one of Canada\u2019s best and largest live adult entertainment venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael Johnson and Margaret Aboud curated extravagant burlesque performances, blending European and Broadway influences to create a truly unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxcjwknhfgl-e-lwnsupa4d1uszkq8imf8pqdcr4wzoefnj0stlnonybosy55phg315qpzyc7_3njfstnbwab4gdat1yfprxbei4wqabmmq21w5rrkwlqliv0cw2yxtuz2selvkb3wkey-cgnbu8g59w3fjoksfdjpksf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawas_Disco_Era_A_Popular_Nightclub\"><\/span>Ottawa\u2019s Disco Era: A Popular Nightclub<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By the late 1970s, Ottawa remained a fairly conservative city, and controversy over the strip club continued to grow. Sensing a shift in public sentiment, Bob Verba made a strategic move\u2014he shut down Pandora\u2019s Box in 1977.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1978, the venue reopened as a disco nightclub, under a new name\u2014Barrymore\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The venue was named in honour of the famous Barrymore theatrical family, re-establishing a connection to the building\u2019s past as a performance venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To enhance the club\u2019s reputation, Verba invested heavily in its renovation, installing a custom-lit dance floor inspired by the movie &#8220;Saturday Night Fever&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disco scene thrived, but by 1979, the club closed again for another major transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxd9x3iprrvqnk4-bjmavykz3xqo6sbdh4x5zahz3woejmbbsn3t0nogssyo4c2reqqea-2ee_bkjmdnwpqknvhyzoh5chohl8s5wcuybxmcopdy0n_mp9slz4aqi-x2skafbgqqcwkey-cgnbu8g59w3fjoksfdjpksf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Barrymores_Music_Hall_A_Legendary_Live_Music_Venue\"><\/span>Barrymore\u2019s Music Hall: A Legendary Live Music Venue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Barrymore\u2019s became one of Canada\u2019s premier live music venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The former balcony area was converted into a performance stage, creating a stunning multi-level concert experience with six levels and three floors. The venue could accommodate 400 people, offering an intimate yet energetic atmosphere for live performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Barrymore\u2019s evolved into a dance club and live music venue, hosting thematic nights to attract a broader audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1991, the club declared bankruptcy but reopened five years later under the ownership of Eugene Haslam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2008, Barrymore\u2019s was purchased by George Siriannis and Vince Simeone. Eventually, Siriannis became the sole owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxfbl_wqrf-5nwpjk8ploylia8nbwlgo93fjw64nns7p75zy2orlz0ofah6wdtq9lz59v6fvq1yajjw1dm5hlc-lnjmwprj0wzzh22as4m_liocn9logyw5csxya4fwmdxybijhpkey-cgnbu8g59w3fjoksfdjpksf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Barrymores_Centennial_Anniversary_100_Years_of_History\"><\/span>Barrymore\u2019s Centennial Anniversary: 100 Years of History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2014, the historic building celebrated its 100th anniversary. Concerned citizens launched a petition advocating for the restoration of the building\u2019s fa\u00e7ade, ensuring that future generations could appreciate its architectural and cultural significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through the years, Barrymore\u2019s audience and reputation have evolved significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, many people pass by this historic building, unaware of its long and colourful past\u2014a story of entertainment, transformation, and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/02\/ad_4nxcv6axfnctcfpdog_gjfraysjzb3_zqrc6x4adxantbq5zdbd-hfdu7qfshi2p4qbetfabab4qae9toyzzfdbe2rwvkfpw52ah8gfglped3dzdswyg_h7bwnl5qo8l9ffqr3b_fwqkey-cgnbu8g59w3fjoksfdjpksf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What was nightlife like in the past? Where did Ottawa\u2019s residents and visitors go for entertainment? Ottawa Trend delves into the fascinating history of Barrymore\u2019s, a venue that has seen many transformations over the years. What stories do its walls hold? What moments were witnessed and later forgotten? Join us on a journey through Ottawa\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":417,"featured_media":2861,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[155],"tags":[2109,2107,2125,2105,2112,2115,2117,2116,2111,2108,2110,2121,2114,2118,2123,2113,2122,2120,2124],"motype":[160],"moformat":[28],"moimportance":[31,32,35],"class_list":{"0":"post-2835","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-muzika","8":"tag-beaux-arts-auditorium","9":"tag-100-years-of-barrymores","10":"tag-barrymores-music-hall-en","11":"tag-barrymores-a-place-with-a-century-of-history","12":"tag-burlesque","13":"tag-canadas-first-new-burlesque-house","14":"tag-closing-of-the-imperial-theatre","15":"tag-end-of-a-grand-and-luxurious-history","16":"tag-europe-met-broadway","17":"tag-from-church-services-to-strip-club","18":"tag-live-musical-performances","19":"tag-ottawas-disco","20":"tag-ottawas-history","21":"tag-ottawas-imperial-theatre","22":"tag-pandoras-box-strip-club","23":"tag-popular-nightclub","24":"tag-restoration-of-the-ottawa-imperial-theatre","25":"tag-sunday-services-of-the-metropolitan-tabernacle","26":"tag-barrymores-en","27":"motype-eternal","28":"moformat-reklamna-korotka","29":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","30":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","31":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/417"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2835"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2860,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2835\/revisions\/2860"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2835"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2835"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2835"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}