(Attended 09/12/25 FR @ 9:00pm & 09/13/25 SA @ 6:30pm): This was a princess of a theatre while…read morepatrons wailed with excitement for the movie premieres!
Nearing the end of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, I finally nabbed a couple of film screenings at the Princess Of Wales Theatre. One of five venues used to showcase films during the festival, this large single-screen venue showcased some of the gala premieres with an approximate capacity of 2,000+ seating. Opened on May 26, 1993, it was built by the father and son producing team of David and Ed Mirvish, with the Canadian premiere of Miss Saigon. Designed by architect Peter Smith and featured artwork by Frank Stella. It was the first privately built, stand-alone theatre in North America in over 50 years - and the first in Canada since the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. Did this theatre make me feel like a princess and provide me with a whale of a time!?
PURCHASE(S)
Open Captions Screening - "Poetic License" ($29.00CAD): Having world premiered earlier in the festival, this comedy-drama was the feature directorial debut of actress Maude Apatow (daughter of Judd Apatow and Lesle Mann). The story followed a soon-to-be empty nester relocating for her husband's new job. As she attempted to settle in, her entanglement between two college best friends and their fight for her attention sparked the main theme of the film. It was cute, endearing, and sweet as it focused on the character trying to find her footing in a new environment. The pace was very good, the dialog was casual and fresh, and the cinematography was effortless. Sadly, there wasn't a Q&A after this screening.
Gala Screening - "Peak Everything" ($29.00CAD): Whether I was drunk, tired, whatever, this film went way over my head, and I lost interest in it fast.
Buttered Popcorn Regular Bag ($6.19CAD x2): The addictive aroma of freshly-popped kernels and hot melting butter sucked me in as always. Plus, no movie experience was complete without popcorn and candy (I had no candy...). Armed with only one smallish size to sell, I inhaled these early in the respective films.
SERVICE
All of this was based during the Toronto International Film Festival and not solely on the general on-hand staff. The online ticket sales were a breeze once you found a film that wasn't sold out. The "Rush Line" sales were quick once tickets were released, and every human being I dealt with from festival staffers/volunteers, ushers, to the concessions was nearly seamless - thank you!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): I was constantly in the area all day throughout the Toronto International Film Festival, so I simply walked. Otherwise, there were spots along the many main and surrounding streets, I believed onsite underground parking, some nearby structures, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A fairly modern facade, the multi-level interior was beautiful with an old-school movie palace feel, various murals, gorgeous ornation, and bar/concession counters on each level. The seats were cushioned enough (no cup holders nor reclining seats), very good sound system, and slight auditorium seating so someone could've still blocked your view. My first Orchestra Row GG seat I had was a bit angled but fine, while my second Orchestra C Row M seat was really nice except for the cramped seats and tall person in front of me. There were low-incline steps which were easy to climb. Minimal natural lighting came through the lobby windows while electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were various monitors, no background music, but there was plenty of chatter all around.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Princess Of Wales Theatre was a beautiful facility, any live performances would be a treat to see here, and I felt there really weren't any bad seats unless you were in the extreme angular areas. Everything ran smoothly, there weren't any real hassles, the concession prices were standard albeit a limited selection of offerings to eat while the ticket prices were elevated as was the norm for a film festival. The customer service was easy, friendly, and straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $70.00CAD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS