Princess of Wales Theatre
Princess of Wales Theatre
4.5
About
The Princess of Wales Theatre is a 2000-seat playhouse built by the father and son producing team of David and Ed Mirvish, just a block away from their historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. The Princess of Wales is the first privately owned and financed theatre built in Canada since 1907 - and the first anywhere in North America in over 30 years. Construction began on August 6, 1991, and the building opened to the public with the musical Miss Saigon on May 26, 1993.The theatre was built with maximum flexibility in mind. Its stage is one of the widest and deepest in North America - large enough to accommodate the most spectacular theatrical productions - and its technical facilities are state-of-the-art.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Downtown
At the heart of Toronto, Downtown is the destination for cheap eats and fast fashion. Cut through by hip and trendy Yonge Street, the vibe here is young, with a strong student influence from the Ryerson University Campus. As a result, the Downtown area is always in flux: undergoing the construction of new facilities, with fresh retail spaces and pop-up cafes. Home to Toronto's largest indoor shopping mall, a number of vintage cinemas, and a healthy nightlife centered on the area's Distillery District bar and clubs near the East End, it's both an easygoing daytime spot and a popular party place after sunset. It also features some of Toronto's best outdoor landmarks, including Yonge-Dundas Square and the Nathan Phillips Square: perfect for a concert, a skate, or a relaxing sit-down.
How to get there
- St. Andrew • 5 min walk
- Osgoode • 7 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Helen MaraOakville, Canada37 contributionsGood experience but…Great version of Les Miserables. We were on the aisle though and the light from the row behind glared into my glasses so I had to keep a hand up to my frames so block the glare. Row E 4 and 5. The washroom lineup was horrific / we used the men’s as a last resort.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2024
- Jennifer AToronto, Canada86 contributionsLes Miserables April 14,2024Have seen many shows at this theatre but as other reviews have mentioned, the washroom situation is not great. Our seats were row BB and CC 16, aisle seats. View was okay to see everything, and space to stretch legs and no heads in the way. The show Les Miserables was fantastic; a bit different than what I remember. Still great!Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 15 April 2024
- Betty KWarren, Pennsylvania71 contributionsGreat fun - well doneOur first time at the theater, we saw Shrek - very well done - a fun experience. The actors really made the story come to life. I was surprised by the varied level of dress for attendees - anywhere from men in suits to cut-off shorts and t-shirts. Even though the theater is large and was mostly filled, there was no problem getting seated nor finding/using washrooms during intermission. A concession stand had a small selection of wines and mixed drinks. Another stand sold snacks (popcorn, almonds etc) as well as sodas, juice and water. There was a merchandise area as well, selling items with the show logo - coffee cups, sweatshirts, tote bags etc.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 August 2024
- J C1 contributionBeautiful theater, but one warning....We love this theater and there are few complaints to be made however for newcomers there is one suggestion I would make. Do not sit front row balcony. There is a safety rope running across the front and it impedes your vision. How much so depends on which show you're seeing. We sat there for a Les Mis production and found the rope to be very annoying and visually impairing. Maybe if you are very tall it wouldn't matter but for shorter people or a child, stay away from these seats. The front row dress circle is much much better. Other than that this is a beautiful theater with lovely architecture and professional staff.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 August 2024
- kbphotography85Bozeman, Montana453 contributionsGreat For TIFFI attended TIFF for the first time and had a movie premiering here. The venue is gorgeous inside. I sat the in Orchestra and had no issues hearing the film on the projector screen. The popcorn and soda were fairly priced as well.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten 16 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,618 reviews
Excellent
1,077
Very good
395
Average
80
Poor
42
Terrible
24
Erin J
Chatham, Canada150 contributions
Jan 2020
My husband and I walked to the Princess of Wales Theatre from our hotel on Peter Street. It took about 6 minutes and we saw glimpses of the CN Tower every so often, amongst the interesting architecture of the surrounding buildings. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance of POTO at this beautiful theatre. We sat in the Dress Circle, which had a perfect view of the whole stage. The seats were comfortable and the atmosphere was opulent. At intermission, out of the seating area, we purchased and enjoyed a snack (2 small pops and 2 gummy candies which cost $15.00). Ice cream was being sold inside the theatre which I thought was a little tacky, but they weren't very pushy about it. I thought there was a coat check, but no employee offered that service to us so we put our jackets on the backs of our chairs. That probably saved us a few dollars and it wasn't terribly inconvenient. At the end of the night, we left down a side exit that crept us "sheeple" along at a slow and steady pace in mostly silence and a distick smell of marijuana. It was almost laughable how quiet we all were! Had there been a fire, I'd be afraid of being trampled by the herd, but luckily we all made it out onto King Street to hear the cabbies shouting "Need a taxi?" and a street "musician" screeching out Ode to Joy on whatever it was he was playing.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VJ5
Sarnia, Canada45 contributions
Jan 2020
We saw the Phantom of the Opera and sat in the mid to back section of the main floor area. We had no problem seeing or hearing the show. The seats were comfortable but we did sit on an aisle for a bit more leg room. The theatre was very full and the people around us said they also enjoyed the production.
The production started on time and was well done. Very friendly fellow checked out tickets. Sets were unique and the actors/singers were engaging.
There was a small bar on our floor plus a larger bar in the basement with a display of costumes.Prices are around $8 for a glass of wine. They had the usual snacks of popcorn in a box, icecream bars and cookies. Food and drink was permitted in the theatre. There were collectibles and clothing for sale - $40 for a tshirt.
The only real negative is that there is only one ladies room and it is downstairs. There was a line up before the show and at intermission. The line did move quickly - no line for the men (typical for these venues).
The production started on time and was well done. Very friendly fellow checked out tickets. Sets were unique and the actors/singers were engaging.
There was a small bar on our floor plus a larger bar in the basement with a display of costumes.Prices are around $8 for a glass of wine. They had the usual snacks of popcorn in a box, icecream bars and cookies. Food and drink was permitted in the theatre. There were collectibles and clothing for sale - $40 for a tshirt.
The only real negative is that there is only one ladies room and it is downstairs. There was a line up before the show and at intermission. The line did move quickly - no line for the men (typical for these venues).
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sharkfin
London, Canada332 contributions
Dec 2019
We took my daughter to see her first live theatre performance, CATS! It was amazing. The theatre is gorgeous, modern. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Of course there are never enough bathrooms in such a facility, lineups at intermission are crazy. This production of CATS was amazing, the performers are top notch. My one complaint of course is how very expensive tickets are, and once you are there inside, the swag or merchandise to purchase as a souvenir of the production is criminal! $45 for a T-shirt? $40 for a stuffed animal? $15 for a disposable shopping bag?? Every item is so way over priced it is ridiculous that they ask that. I was hoping to get my daughter a momento of our special night, but that didn't happen, disappointing.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy W
Toronto, Canada101 contributions
Jan 2020
Talk about deja vu. I took my 5 yr old grandson to the same play I'd taken his dad to about 35 yrs ago. I didn't get to read him any of the T.S.Eliot poems like I had his dad but he caught on pretty fast. The energy, dancing and the music were what I remembered. Could the dancers even be better than I remembered? Yes! The technology was hyped up 30+ yrs.... There was lots of laser action and smoke plus lights...and we had cats coming down the aisle singing which is still an audience pleaser. He LOVED it. And the booster seat provided helped. You have to ask about this on the way in.They are at coat check and are free. And kids can eat popcorn or ice cream bars in the theatre now. My son says they have been playing MacCavity the Mystery cat for the past three days since the show. It was every Nana's dream outing!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightsee645135
3 contributions
Jan 2020
Although the theater is quite lovely inside, the seating is in BAD need of renovations. The seats are very upright (my body is still sore today) and my son did not know what to do with his legs and consequently got cramps (he's 6ft1"). As usual, the line up for the ladies washrooms on the balcony level was some 40-50 people long at intermission so another reminder that the world needs more women architects and designers. Oh, and a basic need such as a drinking fountain somewhere in the theater would be wonderful...let's cut down on those plastic bottles and cups and do our bit !! The sound system was phenomenal...we saw Phantom and this aspect was world class.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen S
Toronto, Canada11 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
It’s a twisted and gothic story done to perfection! I have seen various Phantom productions in Toronto (this was my 5th, and my daughter’s 1st) and honestly Derrick Davis was the best Phantom I’ve heard! Absolutely stunning power and delicacy intertwined. Emma Grimsley was also flawless and fantastic. Together they were unforgettable. Some creative use of the relatively small stage and interesting labyrinth setup. Enjoyed it! We even got an autograph from Christine and Carlotta at the Stage Door. A heads up that if you are bringing children there are frightening scenes, and you should summarize the main plot of the story first, because the early overstuffed scenes may be a bit confusing to them. Be prepared for weirdness and glory. Thank you!
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert Percy
3 contributions
Jan 2020
I saw the Phantom of the Opera several years ago and it held more intrigue and mystery that this show last night. there was more focus on ballet this time and the importance of the Phantoms role and that of Christine was reduced. Still a great show and still a must see. The theatre is historic and you take a walk back in time as you enter the auditorium itself. you have to be there to appreciate the building. located in the entertainment district of Toronto, there are tons of places to eat. We parked on site for $20.00. it was nice on a cold winter's day to leave the jacket and boots behind in the car and parking onsite made the experience more enjoyable.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Courtney
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
An absolutely gorgeous, impeccably clean theatre, perfect for this magnificent production of Phantom!! We were in EE (family of 4 adults). Although the rows here are relatively flat (so some was a slight challenge to see due to the woman’s large hair in front of me), the actors really used the entirety of the stage. The production was unbelievably well done; we could feel the heat from the flames each time, the stage props and theatrics were incredibly done, and the costumes were perfect. Phantom is my absolute favourite production, and this was my first time seeing it live. Mirvish did an amazing job, and everyone should be very proud of how well done it was.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanie T
Ajax, Canada135 contributions
Feb 2020
Wow this was my first time coming to this Theater it does not look like much from the outside but go inside and your in a really lovey place , From the attending staff they made you feel so welcome.
I could not wait to see the show as i had seen River Dance when i was in Ireland last summer my family bought these tickets so i could relive the experince again it was worth the wait ..it was everything i remembered spectacular from the singing to dancing they really do put on an amazing show if you have a chance go to Ireland and see them its worth the money ,Perfection reativity, outstanding Thank you so much for putting a show to remember cheers
I could not wait to see the show as i had seen River Dance when i was in Ireland last summer my family bought these tickets so i could relive the experince again it was worth the wait ..it was everything i remembered spectacular from the singing to dancing they really do put on an amazing show if you have a chance go to Ireland and see them its worth the money ,Perfection reativity, outstanding Thank you so much for putting a show to remember cheers
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bsong416
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Watched the Jan 12/2020 performance of Phantom of the Opera. BRAVO. The Phantom (Derrick Davis) was OUTSTANDING! Since middle school, I've watched pretty much every production of Phantom of the Opera roll into town and not since Colm Wilkinson have I been as moved and impressed with the role of the Phantom! If you're lucky enough to be in Toronto for the run of this production, I strongly encourage you to go!
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
when does the parking lot below the Princess of Wales Theatre open on Tuesdays
Written 8 January 2023
We had decent seats in middle but 20+ rows back for Sting’s Last Ship .. use CAA or AAA membership for big 20% discount!
Written 30 April 2019
Ridgevale1
Toronto, Canada
Are booster seats available for kids or can I bring my own? Are they permitted?
Written 2 January 2019
The theatre provides booster seats for kids. The staff at the theatre are very helpful. Some of the plays are suitable for kids. Lion King will be coming back to town and that is a great show for kids. I’ve seen it several times.
Written 29 April 2019
Hi . when we went to the performance we parked underneath the Princess of Wales, there is parking on King street as well if have extra time to search.Enjoy.
Written 23 November 2018
Row AAA ...looks like they add this row when the orchestra pit is not being used. Is it OK? I’m normally a front row guy ...that’s what I love ....given that , is a temp front row AAA TOO close? Partially obstructed etc?
Written 13 October 2018
If you're in Row AAA, you have an unobstructed view of the stage and the actors on it. If you want to feel as a spectator that you're a part of the performance, this is as close as you'll get. I loved being able to see the actors' expressions up close; but you may have to turn your head on occasion if they move to the back of the stage or over to a far side. Once you've been this close to the stage, it's not easy to occupy seats further back in the auditorium.......
Written 14 October 2018
What is the seating like on the 3rd tier? Would it be too far to keep my children's interest?
Written 25 October 2017
The third tier, if you can get seats at the front of it shouldn't be too bad, but I think it might also depend on the interest in the show as well as their ages. I generally sit in the first couple of rows in the second tier, and the third tier doesn't seem to be that much further back. If the children are old enough to use them, binoculars might add a bit more fun to the overall experience, for you and them. No matter where you sit , sound is not a problem. You have to walk up to the 2nd and 3rd levels.
Written 26 October 2017
gckelly1563
Jackson, Mississippi
What is the dress code for the theatre? We are only using carry on luggage and I am wondering if I need another pair of shoes in addition to my tennis shoes?
Written 23 May 2017
There is no formal dress code at the Pricess of Wales. You are welcome to wear whatever you choose.
These days, most people dress quite casually.
Written 23 May 2017
Hello.
Just wanted to what type of snacks are available at the theatre? I know popcorn is one type but are things like sandwiches also sold?
Written 30 March 2017
As far as I remember, there is just popcorn, candy and icecream bars sold. We have taken in snacks because of the childrens allergies and there never has been a problem.
Written 31 March 2017
How much is parking at the Princess of Wales theatre?
Written 20 March 2017
There is parking all around the theatre. Parking is approx 10 -20. Or if you are lucky u might find a parking meter. We park at the Soho Metropolitan hotel just around the corner. It's underground and secure. It is 10 for the night.
Written 21 March 2017
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