Chester Playhouse

The Chester Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts venue located in the village of Chester, Nova Scotia. Operating year-round, the Playhouse presents a program of live theatre, music, film, comedy, and community events. Originally constructed in 1938 as the Kenerik movie house, the building has undergone multiple transformations and restorations, most recently reopening in 2023 following a major fire and extensive rebuild.[1]

History

The building that now houses the Chester Playhouse was originally constructed in 1938 by Ken Corkum and Erik Redden as a movie theatre named the Kenerik. It was a local cinema for many years before transitioning into a live performance venue.[1]

In 1963, the Chester Jesters, a local amateur theatre group led by Dick and Teka Burwell, began producing annual summer theatre productions at the site. These performances involved broad community participation and continued until the early 1970s. After a period of disuse, the building was purchased in 1975 by Leo and Dora Velleman, who renovated it and renamed it the Leading Wind Theatre, after a 19th-century clipper ship. The venue was then used by the Vellemans' company, Canadian Puppet Festivals, until their merger with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia in 1983.[2]

To preserve the venue for the performing arts, the Chester Theatre Council was established in 1984. In 1987, the Council launched the first Chester Summer Festival, presenting touring theatre productions throughout the season. Later that year, the building was purchased by businessman and philanthropist Sir Christopher Ondaatje, who renamed it the Chester Playhouse. In 1992, Ondaatje donated the Playhouse to the Chester Theatre Council.[2][3]

Substantial renovations were undertaken in 1999 and completed in 2005, including the addition of a two-storey backstage area, upgraded lobbies, and accessible facilities. In 2019, the Chester Playhouse celebrated its 80th anniversary.

In June 2021, during a major renovation project,[4][5] a fire caused significant damage to the roof and interior of the building.[6][7][8] Reconstruction began in 2022, supported by federal, provincial, and community funding, and the Playhouse reopened in 2023 with improved accessibility, acoustics, and technical infrastructure.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b "The Chester Playhouse to re-open in August". The Lunenburg Barnacle. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Our History - Chester Playhouse". 17 January 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  3. ^ "Author gives deed to theatre". Niagara Falls Review. The Canadian Press. 4 September 1992. Retrieved 10 November 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "The iconic Chester Playhouse rises from the ashes" (Press release). Canadian Heritage. 27 August 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  5. ^ "Improving Chester Playhouse experience for audiences and artists" (Press release). Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. 12 September 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  6. ^ Tattrie, Jon (11 June 2021). "'It's a real tragedy': Fire rips through historic Chester Playhouse". CBC News. Nova Scotia: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  7. ^ Draus, Alicia (12 June 2021). "Chester N.S. theater destroyed by fire was known as community hub". Global News. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  8. ^ Ramesar, Vernon (13 June 2021). "Community 'hurting' after Chester Playhouse fire, says executive director". CBC News. Nova Scotia: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
  9. ^ Ramesar, Vernon (10 March 2022). "Fire-damaged Chester Playhouse expected to reopen in spring 2023". CBC News. Nova Scotia: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 17 June 2025.

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