Post by merangel on Feb 29, 2016 4:53:13 GMT -5
Suspected Ghosts: former actors, Laurence Irving and Mabel Hackney - died in 1914, shortly after their performances.
History
- Refurbished in 1906 and open in 1907 by Corliss Powers Walker and his wife, Harriet, for the performing arts. Before then, the theatre was called the 'Victoria Theatre' and then changed to 'The Walker Theatre.'
- Was used a place for the Labour Council and Socialist Party to meet, prior to the Winnipeg General Strike in 1919. As well as meetings regarding issues on women's right to vote.
-The Walker Theatre was closed for regular productions in 1933 and the building was confiscated by the city in 1936 for a tax debt.
- In 1945, the theatre was changed to an Odeon Cinema, a popular single-screen movie theatre. Some of the Odeon branding and artwork is still apparent in the theatre.
- It closed in 1990 and reopened in 1991, back to being a theatre for live performances. It is now a National Historic Site of Canada and Provincial Heritage Site.
- 'The Walker Theatre' was renamed 'The Burton Cummings Theatre' (or "The Burt" for short) after Winnipeg-born, 'The Guess Who' lead singer.
- As of 2014, "The Burt" is now managed by True North Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
- Some other celebrities who have performed here are Charlie Chaplin, Harry Houdini, Metric, Flaming Lips, The Weakerthans, Nightwish, etc. It's been the site of movie sets, such as 'The Clown at Midnight'
- It's still functioning as an entertainment venue, but the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Winnipeg Symphony use the more upscale, modern Centennial Concert Hall now.
Activity
Despite little reason the theatre should be haunted, guests, staff and performers have experienced odd activity.
- Clapping, cheering and fan-chanting can be heard from unseen audiences during rehearsals and other times when there is not supposed to be an audience.
- Doors seen and heard opening and slamming shut hard on their own accord.
- Dogs barking and reacting to unknown sources.
- Light anomalies.
- Voices and whispering heard throughout the building.
My sources:
www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/10/20/haunted-places-canadian-prairies_n_4132292.html
www.burtoncummingstheatre.ca/venue/history/
edeninwinnipeg.com/2012/11/02/winnipeg-ghost-walk/
www.virtual.heritagewinnipeg.com/vignettes/window/more/129.htm