When in Bonavista, it is hard to miss the iconic Garrick Theatre.
Constructed in 1945 – one year after the Bonavista Cold Storage Company built its new fish plant, that today is still utilized by Ocean Choice and its employees – The Garrick Theatre is the oldest surviving theatre in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Today, The Garrick is owned and operated by the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation. The theatre operates year-round, and is known for its state-of-the-art sound and lighting, excellent acoustics, and exceptional programming. At The Garrick you can find the best in performing arts and film, and it is a sought-after venue for many local musicians.
Music for many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians plays a vital role in connecting our past and our present; it is a way for us to tell stories, preserve our history and share our love for our province. Like the fishery, music is a shared experience – it connects us and has shaped who we are.
Bonavista is also the home of one of Ocean Choice’s four fish processing facilities, where close to 450 people from Bonavista and surrounding communities’ process snow crab, turbot (Greenland halibut) and pelagics. By supporting The Garrick, Ocean Choice is able to celebrate and recognize the important role that The Garrick holds in the community – it is a place that brings the community together and it holds a special place in the hearts of all those who visit.
David Bradley, chair of the Townscape Foundation, noted that Ocean Choice’s support for the Garrick over the years has been unwavering. He also said that, “Ocean Choice seems to have a clear understanding that a cultural facility like the Garrick strengthens the community, and stronger communities are more likely to have good labour forces”.
The Garrick Theatre has been a social centre of the community of Bonavista bringing film, music and the arts to life for over seven decades. It has served as a place to listen to live music, watch a show and to catch-up with your neighbors and community. It truly is the place to be when in Bonavista.
“Supporting the communities in which we have operations and where our employees live is a priority for Ocean Choice,” says Blaine Sullivan, President of Ocean Choice. “With The Garrick Theatre playing such a pivotal role in the history of Bonavista, we are all too happy to provide ongoing support to help ensure it is around for another seven decades of entertainment and fun.”
For more information about The Garrick Theatre click here.
