125 years later to the day, the Grand Theatre is marking the anniversary of its first opening night and the first performance on the historic boards of the Spriet Stage. The theatre is bringing back a local favourite, Backstage Bash, to celebrate on Wednesday, September 9.

Backstage Bash at the Grand Theatre:

4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9

The New Grand Opera House at 471 Richmond Street opened on September 9, 1901, with a performance of Way Down East. In the 125 years that have followed, the Grand has been a home for community and culture in the heart of Downtown London.

A symbol of London’s growing confidence, the New Grand Opera House could house up to 1,850 patrons, had its own phone number (176), and boasted a striking proscenium arch, painted by muralist Frederick S. Challener. Equipped with electricity and impressive stage technology, the Grand attracted the finest touring productions from across North America.

Today, the original stage, arch, and mural still stand – untouched by transformational renovations to the building itself. More than 125 years later, this remarkable building continues to welcome audiences through the same doors, reminding us that great theatres are built not only of brick and stone, but of the people who fill them.

Backstage Bash will welcome London through the theatre’s backstage access and then directly onto the stage to celebrate. Audiences can stand on the 125-year-old stage while enjoying live music by KJ and Motones and Mark Swan’s GOOD HANG. Youth Opportunities Unlimited will be on site serving up BBQ favourites, and the Grand’s lobby bars will be open for the occasion.

Between bands and BBQ, guests are invited to explore three levels – and more than a century of history – on display throughout the theatre’s lobby spaces. The exhibition, Grand: 125 Years of Live Performance, will be open to the public for the first time at Backstage Bash and will remain on display for audiences throughout the Grand Theatre’s upcoming 2026/27 Season: All in Grand Time. The exhibition was curated by local historian and communicator, Jo Jennings, and features the work of Research Assistants Meghan Falco and Kira McCallum, students at Western University’s Faculty of Arts & Humanities. The Grand Theatre acknowledges the critical roles of photographers, journalists, historians, & archivists in documenting and preserving our shared story, including:

 • Ivey Family London Room, London Public Library

 • London Free Press & Postmedia

 • Museum London

 • University of Guelph Library Archival and Special Collections

 • Western Libraries – Archives and Special Collections

 • Western University – Faculty of Arts & Humanities

London Public Library joins the Grand in marking this milestone anniversary, with the Ivey Family London Room mounting a commemorative display featuring original artifacts throughout the month of September.

London and its theatre community are invited to join the storytelling of the Grand’s 125th. The theatre is gathering its shared history, bringing together the stories of all those who have been part of the New Grand Opera House, London Little Theatre, Theatre London, the Grand Theatre - and all of the moments in between. Audiences, neighbours, artists, and staff are invited to share memories, moments, photos, and artifacts with the Grand on social media, via email to socialmedia@grandtheatre.com, or through the 125th anniversary website at www.grandtheatre.com.

To learn more about the Grand Theatre’s historic 125 years, visit www.grandtheatre.com. Explore the Grand’s upcoming 2026/27 Season: All in Grand Time by visiting www.grandtheatre.com.