One of the best parts about staying at The Parlour Inn is being able to explore the beautiful city of Stratford. Home to the world-renowned Stratford Festival, Stratford has a vibrant arts scene and a diverse history that is so unique. Stratford was settled in 1832 and like many Canadian cities, was originally named after Stratford-upon-Avon in England. An English settler named William Sargint established the Shakespeare Inn and Tavern and was given a portrait of William Shakespeare in celebration of his Inn’s grand opening. In line with Stratford’s close ties to England and in homage to Shakespeare, the creek that was called Little Thames was renamed the Avon River. The Avon River is where you will find the beautiful swans that are so popular with visitors to Stratford. Originally a railway junction, Stratford officially became a town in 1859 and continued to thrive thanks to the railway-building boom during these years. The railway became Stratford’s main source of industry, employing about 80% of the town’s residents. In 1886, Stratford became a city and the railway industry thrived for the next 80 years until the industry’s decline began with the replacement of steam engines by diesel.
Even though Stratford’s origins were as an industrial centre, music and theatre flourished in the city. As Stratford’s economy continued to struggle with the downturn of the railway industry, local journalist Tom Patterson came up with the idea to transform Stratford into a cultural destination by establishing a festival dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare.
Patterson presented his idea to the Stratford City Council and was given a grant of $125 to help him enlist artistic advice. With help from Harrison Showalter, a local soft drink manufacturer who was as enamoured with the idea of a theatre festival as Patterson, a Chamber of Commerce subcommittee was formed to help make the plan a reality. As a staunch supporter of Canadian theatre, Dora Mavor Moore took the opportunity to write to famed British director Tyrone Gutherie to enlist his help. Impressed by Stratford on a visit to determine the potential for a festival of this type, Gutherie agreed to act as the festival’s first Artistic Director.
The Stratford Festival was incorporated on October 31, 1952 and given the official name of the Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada Foundation (which has recently been changed to the Stratford Shakespearean Festival Foundation of Canada). The opening night of the first-ever Stratford Festival took place on July 13, 1953 with the production of Richard III, marking the beginning of a new era in Canadian theatre.
It wasn’t until the Stratford Festival’s fifth season in 1957 that the Festival Theatre was erected and replaced large tents as the main stage for the festival’s numerous plays. The Festival Theatre’s first performance occurred on July 1, 1957 and starred Christopher Plummer as Hamlet.
The Festival Theatre has undergone many renovations since it was built. In 1985, backstage facilities were added and in 1996, major renovations were completed before the 1997 festival season which was attended by Queen Elizabeth II. Today, the Festival Theatre is synonymous with the Stratford Festival itself, serving as an icon of world-class theatre.
Even if you don’t visit Stratford while the Stratford Festival is on, there are many things to do and lots of places to explore. Stratford’s heritage district is filled with stunning 19th century homes, churches and other buildings that are becoming harder to find in Canada. This unique collection of historic buildings is what makes it so special to spend an afternoon exploring the city before you relax at The Parlour Inn.
The Parlour Inn is the perfect Stratford Festival hotel because of its close proximity to all of the Stratford Festival theatres. Call us now or visit us online to book your room for your next Stratford adventure!