|
 Wales Theatre - High River, AB Posted by:  T0SHEA
N 50° 34.716 W 113° 52.351
12U E 296632 N 5606904
On the corner of First Street & Fifth Avenue, the Wales Theatre is the oldest in High River, and certainly the best appointed.
Waymark Code: WMP2YZ
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 06/19/2015
Views: 3
The Highwood Theatre opened in High River in 1927. It was designed to accommodate both live performances and movies. The name was changed to the Wales Theatre in honour of Edward, Prince of Wales who homesteaded nearby in Longview, AB.
The theatre has been closed for over a year as a result of the 2013 Flood that submerged much of High River and affected many communities in southern Alberta. After a year of restoration, they are close to reopening. (EDIT- they should be open by now.)
Interestingly, the theatre was used as a production centre by Clint Eastwood in 1991-92 during the shooting of "Unforgiven", which was shot at several locations in southern Alberta. Clint would retire to the theatre each evening to watch the dailies.
![]() History of the Wales Theatre
In 1927, Highwood Theatre (the original name of the Wales Theatre) was built to accommodate both the live theatre and movies. With use of upholstered chesterfield chairs, imported from England, chromium and plate glass tiles in the foyer, ornate ceiling, air conditioning and hardwood floors made the theatre one of the most luxurious and best equipped in the province at that time.
The name was changed in 1935 to Wales to honour Edward, Prince of Wales, who homesteaded at nearby Longview.
Wales Theatre has seen it all, from the primitive 'storeroom theatres' and early films, through the silent movies and to the talkies and technicolor, cinemascope to wide screens.
Today, the Wales Theatre features one of the last free-standing balconies in Canada with a dolby surround sound system, this ancient building has been completely renovated and accented with all modern amenities.
Owned and operated by the Kidwai family of High River, we ask you to come and experience something completely different. Not your regular cookie cutter type of a theater and prices are reasonable, where you don't have to bring your paycheque. Step back into affordable entertaining history.
From the Wales Theatre
![]()
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
The attraction’s own URL: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
Irregular hours - evenings during movie times
and weekends for matinees
Admission Prices:
Free to view - movies $9, matinees $7
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Up to 1 hour
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle Only
|
Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.
|