Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

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Royal Alexandra Theatre 1907

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted May, 2008

At this 110-year-old theatre (as of 2017) at 260 King Street West is this 2007 Heritage Toronto plaque. Here's what it has to say:

Coordinates: 43.647155 -79.387475

A vital part of Toronto's cultural history, the Royal Alexandra is one of North America's oldest, continuously operating theatres. An early work of Toronto architect John M. Lyle, the theatre was financed by a consortium headed by "Toronto's youngest millionaire", Cawthra Mulock. It was built in a prestigious neighbourhood, opposite the Lieutenant-Governor's residence (later demolished) and on the former property of Upper Canada College, and was designed in the Beaux-Arts style. Granted royal title in honour of Queen Alexandra, consort of King Edward VII, the theatre brought to Toronto touring productions from London and New York and internationally revered performers. In decline by the 1950s along with the surrounding neighbourhood, the Royal Alexandra Theatre was courageously rescued from demolition in 1963 by Toronto entrepreneur "Honest" Ed Mirvish, Under the direction of Ed and son David Mirvish, the fully restored "Royal Alex" sparked the rejuvenation of the area and the growth of Toronto's entertainment district.

Another plaque at this location
Royal Alexandra Theatre

More Toronto buildings designed by John M. Lyle
Adam Beck Cigar Box Manufacturing Company Building 1913
John B. Maclean House 1910
John M. Lyle Studio 1921
Runnymede Branch, Toronto Public Library 1930
Thornton-Smith Building 1921
Union Station

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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

> Posted February 27, 2009
In response to the November 5, 2008 comment below, my father-in-law was James H.B. Webster born 1870 in Leeds, Yorkshire. He emigrated to Canada in 1907 with his first wife and his 5 children and lived here in Toronto. His full name was James Humble Benjamin Webster. He returned to England in 1937 with his second wife and their child, my husband, James SRH Webster. My James HB Webster was an interior designer who worked for years for Eatons and later had his own company. It is possible that he worked at carpentry when he first came to Toronto.
I wonder if your James HB Webster is my James HB Webster. You do not site any dates so I cannot tell.
If we indeed have a connection I can certainly give you information about this Webster family.

> Posted November 5, 2008
My great great great grand father James H.B. Webster was a carpenter during the construction of the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
Gail

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