This theatre offers unique plays in an intimate atmosphere. They showcase local talent and their plays are of high caliber. My husband and I went to see Guilt (A Love Story), and we really enjoyed the humorous/dramatic storyline. There is ample parking in a lot across the street, and a bar offering drinks/snacks. It's good to support local independent art businesses, and this is a nice place to immerse yourself in culture. read more

I recently got to participate in providing feedback on a dry run script read, and forgot about the charms of this local theatre. It almost feels like this place is geared towards others in the guild, but the venue itself is appealing for hard core play goers. Don't be expecting great comfy movie theatre style padded chairs, but you trade that off for being in an intimate space with decent acoustics that doesn't require electrical amplification. To go or not to go? That's really not the question. read more

The Tarragon is a nice theatre, and is thankfully air conditioned. This matters to me, because I generally only go to see something at either a Mirvish or Dancap show, or at Fringe, and to this day I recall nothing so much as nearly dying of dehydration at a showing of Cobra: the Musical in the Factory Theatre. The space at the Tarragon is really good. The chairs are comfortable, and the main space is spacious. The side area is also fairly comfortable. read more

In this age of CGI you might think that 5 performers on a single set would appear primitive and plebeian, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Story-telling in this form is some of the most enjoyable entertainment you can take in. There is something about getting together with the community and watching a story bring brought to life by truly gifted individuals that never fails to mesmerize. I attended the Tarragon Theatre last night for the first time. A group of friends and I saw "Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story". This show didn't need multiple set-changes and special effects to keep the audience enthralled for 80 minutes. It is mostly music so if you like Klezmer music you are sure to enjoy the many melodies that the musicians perform flawlessly. It is a real-life love story, so it does touch on serious subjects and will tug on your heartstrings. I don't want to give away too much but I would strongly suggest everyone take in at least one production at the Tarragon Theatre whenever they can. The Tarragon Theatre has 9 world-premiers this year, and ticket prices are very reasonable at $22-$70. It is accessible by transit and there is street parking in the neighbourhood (just make sure to read the signs). You can actually save a lot on the ticket price by attending the 'preview' night of a show, which is a full rehearsal night but you wouldn't know it. So grab some friends and and make your way down early (as they are working on assigned seating but currently it is first-come first-served) and settle in for a wonderful, intimate evening of the oldest tradition in human history. read more

Stopped by here to see The Golden Dragon. There are two (at least) theatre spaces at the Tarragon. There is the main space, and the backspace, or extra space. The Extra space is a black box style theatre, and only seats 100 (more intimate). The Mainspace can hold double that, depending on how it's set up. Both spaces are welcoming, and it's never hard to hear or see the stage. It is often cold however. The last performance I saw I had to put on my hoodie, and winter jecket during the performance it was so cold where I was sitting. It's a nice space, and I've always had positive experiences with its staff. The quality of plays I have seen here have been very high. Three that stand out were Generous in 2006/7, Scorched in 2008/9 (it blew me away), and I am biased, as a close friend was just in The Golden Dragon, but I felt she did a fantastic job! ;) Prices however I have found can be quite high. I'm actually not sure if this is the theatre, or the plays that come in, but the Golden Dragon was $51 for an adult ticket. ($25 for a student) Unfortunately that puts it into my "special occasions only" price range, not a more often indulgence. Too bad. read more

This theatre is a haven for actors, playwrights and directors who want to showcase and pitch their skills at a smaller audience. With a hope that it'll be picked up by bigger theatre companies. I've seen several shows here - some were good and some were bad. This review is about the venue and not the productions. There are many production companies that rent this theatre so it's not fair for me to critique them based on their seasons/shows. The place is small and perhaps smaller that off broadway theatres. I've never been to a show here where seats were assigned to us. The seats are not even numbered. So most of the time, if not always, plays are general seating so come early if you're in a group. Oh and by the way, it's annoying to reserve six seats. It just is really low. The bathroom is clean but the men's bathroom stinks - I think it's just us ;). The location is just north of King Street on Bathurst Street. If you're one of the luck few that don't drive, Bathurst Streetcar will take you at the door. Very convenient. There are restaurants on King or Queen that you can go to if you want to take a bite before or after the show. There is "bar" service before the show and during intermissions... prices are cheap. I bought a coke and a bag of chips for $3.50 - try that at the Canon Theatre. What I like about this is the layout... the elevated seats ensures that a tall person will not obstruct your view. Well, the average tall person. I'm short (5'7") so a 6' guy can kill my theatre experience. It has not happened here. Ticket prices are generally cheap from $ 20 - $ 40. It's a no frill theatre so don't expect a suited usher. No, don't. What to wear - comfortable clothes. Get it? read more

What an awesome theater space. I just saw my first play here last night., "And slowly Beauty," and was very impressed by the venue, the performance, and the staff. I'm lucky enough to have a friend who's a theater critic, so I got in for free which is even better. The venue consists of two theaters, the "Main Space" which seats about 200 and the "Extra Space", which is about 75-100 or so. The play I saw was in the former. The play has a nice floor space which is close to stage level and then a nicely tiered set of risers in the back half. We were seated about 3/4 of the way back, and found the experience to be incredibly intimate and inviting. The stage design, acoustics, sound system, and layout are all top-notch for a nice medium size venue. Their repertoire seems to focus on a number of new pieces which is really nice. The play I saw, And Slowly Beauty, was truly an outstanding production...it's my favorite piece of theater I've seen since moving to Toronto. It was an existential play without being angsty (like Sartre). The lobby area has a snack beer with reasonably priced beer, wine, and snacks. It's nice to not be gouged. The lobby itself though felt rather cramped when the patrons were not in one of the two spaces. The piece I saw was the Toronto premier of a translated Quebecois play and had a very nice reception afterward, although again, really painfully crowded. Staff were consistently polite and friendly. read more

It's sad, but sometimes when you're in a relationship you hit that point where you need to start scheduling Date Nights. Schedules being what they are, this is sometimes unavoidable. Whenever you need to do this sort of timetable juggling, it usually good to ensure that you have events that you go to every week or failing that, events that are scheduled in a calendar written in ink or etched in stone. This is how I became introduced to Tarragon Theatre and their season pass. A smaller theatre of around 250 seats or so, the stage is able to be moved into different configurations easily. This affords the theatre company to configure the set-up as the best direction dictates. Because the seats and the stage are not anchored, this allows the most flexibility for creativity and interpretation of the script. And it works. Well. The pieces of theatre that Tarragon Theatre brings to the stage are contemporary or great performances of classic works. Not necessarily Canadian and not necessarily new, the theatre provides one of the best venues and best performance packages they can be found of any theatres in the city. Oh, you don't have to subscribe to an entire season. Feel free to just get one. read more

We saw a play here last night. The theater is reasonably well layed out and it was well acted. The seats are not all that comfortable and the price is no bargain. The play we saw included smoking "herbal" cigarettes which really was a mistake the place smoked up quickly and it was not a pleasant experience. It's reasonably easy to find. Not a whole lot in the area so don't expect to go out for dinner before or drinks after. We saw East of Berlin which was well done and Brendan Gall did well! read more

Tarragon Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Solid spot for a small sized show. The theatre is centrally located right beside George Brown and relatively easily accessible by subway. The shows are usually fun and really well priced. There are tons of places to eat around the area before and after the show (Schmaltz Appetizing, creeds, Chadwick's)! read more

What a beautiful hidden gem of Toronto!!! Hush, hush, I don't want anyone to know about it. Very intimate theater that showcases wild, entertaining, engaging and amazing plays. The tickets are insanely reasonable and they offer group, student and senior discounts. It is also conveniently located in the area of Playa Cabana making it an awesome possibility for a night out. End of April we will be checking A God in Need of Help by Sean Dixon, I have insider information about it being just fabulous. read more

Tarragon Theatre is a small brick building laced with ivy and ringed with trees. It has a magical feel as you step into the foyer, and their coffee isn't bad either! The theatre features several independent plays each year by both Canadian and international playwrights, and is worth checking out for acts both striking and absurd. read more