The Columbia

This moorish style theatre was the first atmospheric theatre to be built in British Columbia (1927) and remains as one of very few in North America. It has been transformed a few times to adjust to the changing times, but its original purpose to provide an elegant gathering place for the community to celebrate life, laughter and love has been cherished and preserved. Barry Buckland renovated this

venue into a classy cabaret style theatre in 2009 to be the home of LaffLines Comedy Club until 2018 when Michael Hwang took over to establish partnerships and programs with many cultural, educational and performing arts groups. Many family and friends helped us on this journey, including Heather Doroshe, Jill Doroshe, Justin Hwang, Ellen Johnson, Mayor Wayne Wright, Eric Pattison, Sev Morin, Dal Richards, Red Robinson, Randy Clarke and the Mojo Stars, Russell Marsland, Sean Soucy, Jayleen Stonehouse, Murray Porter, Elaine Bombarry, Marianna Bell, Steve McGowan, Janice Banister, Susan Thompson, Dave Chisholm, Michael Dunn, Desiree Dyck, Greg Ginter, Robbe Hartnette, Jorah Kauffman, April Yoon, Chief Rhonda Larrabee, and hundreds more partners, supporters and staff. COVID-19 shut down the theatre but Rick Robinson’s House of Comedy kept the hope and lights on, and is now the new steward of this theatre.