Dating to 1914, the grand old McPherson Playhouse (known lovingly as the “Mac” by local theater goers) hosts a variety of performing arts. It’s in Centennial Square, at the corner of Pandora Avenue and Government Street. The Mac’s sister theater, the Royal Theatre (805 Broughton St.) began life as a roadhouse and was used as a movie theater for many years. Today it hosts stage productions and a variety of musical recitals.
For schedule information and tickets at both theaters, contact the Royal & McPherson Theatres Society (250/386-6121 or 888/717-6121, www.rmts.bc.ca [1]).
Performing arts on a smaller scale can be appreciated in a historic church at the Belfry Theatre (1291 Gladstone St., 250/385-6815), which offers live theater Oct.–Apr.; tickets cost $26–35 per person.
Pacific Opera Victoria (250/385-0222, www.pov.bc.ca [2]) performs three productions each year (usually Oct.–Apr.) in the McPherson Playhouse. Tickets run $20–65. The Victoria Operatic Society (250/381-1021) presents opera year-round; call for current schedule.
Links:
[1] http://www.rmts.bc.ca
[2] http://www.pov.bc.ca