Places & Spaces
65
Dozens of careers have been launched on that venerable stage and several famous people and groups have graced its stage including London Festival Orchestra, Madge Sinclair, Broadway on Ice and the European Union Chamber Orchestra. Interestingly both the Oscar Wilde, Louise Bennett, Sir Willard White, Gilbert and Sullivan,
The theatre therefore continues to be un-usable and some have that not enough is being done by the present Board to restore
called for a changing of directors of the Foundation as it is believed this landmark to its former glory. Fortunately in 2009 a team of
People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)
reputable architects deemed the Ward to still be structurally sound. Since the construction of the Ward Theatre we have seen the birth of Theatre (now defunct), Centrestage, Stages Theatre, Green Gables, Theatre Place, Pantry Playhouse, Phillip Sherlock Centre for the will ever, be as impressive as the Ward Theatre.
were launched at the Ward Theatre. In 1941 another tradition began at the Ward as the National Pantomime opened there every Boxing Day (December 26) except in 1950 when it was closed for repairs. Significant repairs was done in 1982 when the Kingston and St.
several theatres including the Little Theatre, Little Little Theatre, Barn
Andrew Corporation closed the theatre to carry out some much needed work. Threadbare and badly worn, some of the original tapestry was removed and minor technological improvement added. A few critics have argued that this detracted for its
Performing Arts and Montego Bay’s Fairfield Theatre. But none is, or
Last year (2012) as the nation was proudly celebrating its 50th year of independence, the Ward Theatre celebrated its centennial. In 2000 the Ward Theatre was declared a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and that same year it was toured by Prince Charles during a visit to the island. Though visually the for it to maintain its status as the ultimate architectural pride of Downtown Kingston.
overall appeal but for the most part its authenticity has not been
tampered with. By the mid-1980s the Ward Theatre Foundation was the pantomime had to stop opening its annual production there constantly complained about the stench from the bathroom,
established to raise funds for its ongoing repairs. By 2002, however, because of the poor state of the facility. Patrons seated downstairs caused by the antiquated sewerage system. Many hurricanes,
building is still impressive to look at, much work needs to be done
including in recent years Dean and Gustav, have impacted on the theatre, wreaking further devastation to the roof and the stage.
Sources: National Library of Jamaica and the Ward Theatre Foundation