Bernie Legge Theatre (1909)
Nestled in the forest of Queen’s Park stands the venerable Bernie Legge Theatre, the last of the Exhibition Buildings.
The Bernie Legge Theatre, designed by architect E.G.W. Sait, features a blend of period features and gentle “remuddling” over its many incarnations. It’s home to the Vagabond Players Theatre Society.
Born and trained in England, Sait arrived in New Westminster in 1892, quickly establishing himself as one of the city’s leading architects. He succeeded in winning the commission for a number of Exhibition Buildings in Queen’s Park, including the elegant Fisheries Building which was completed in 1909. Tasteful Classic Revival details made this little pavilion a landmark for the many Exhibitions hosted here by the Royal Agricultural and Industrial Society.
Directions and Parking for Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park
Bernie Legge Theatre, home of the Vagabond Players, is located just past the skate park and across from the Lacrosse field in Queen’s Park, New Westminster.
There is parking right next to the theatre and along the main entrance way.
In the early 1920s, the building was relocated to its present site to serve as the Exhibition’s administration office – which was a fortunate move. When the Exhibition Buildings caught fire due to a lighting strike in 1929, it was the only building that survived. In 1951, it was converted into a local theatre.
Over the years, significant improvements have been made to the former Fisheries Building. In 1955, the Vagabond Players Theatre Society expanded the structure by constructing a lobby and adding a stage, dressing rooms, and a green room. The Society purchased theatre seats and equipped the booth, completing the transformation of the Exhibition Fisheries Building.
In 1997, the theatre was renamed in honour of Bernie Legge, a revered actor among the Vagabond community. Since then, further enhancements have been made, including new washrooms, upgraded seating, and a fully developed basement with a costume room, storage, and a scene shop. These improvements have been made possible by the extraordinary dedication of volunteers who have generously contributed hours of help so the theatre can continue to provide an exceptional, affordable live theatre to the residents of New Westminster.
Explore the Homes Tour HUB at Bernie Legge Theatre!
Enjoy a leisurely break on the tour amidst the serene surroundings of the Bernie Legge Theatre. Be sure to visit this historic building and get a glimpse of a stage and theatre that has welcomed thousands of patrons for over 70 years. Our Heritage New West volunteers will be selling vintage Homes Tour t-shirts, iconic posters from past tours, and other heritage memorabilia at the Theatre and afterward stroll over to the Queen’s Park Concession Stand.
Discover our pop up gallery of local heritage art by acclaimed artists with all proceeds going to an annual scholarship fund for New West students.
Article by: Jim Wolf
Presented by: The Vagabond Players Theatre Society
