The Tom Patterson Theatre

The Tom Patterson Theatre, affectionately known as the Tom, was named after the journalist and founder of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. The current building, designed by architect Siamak Hariri, covers 77,000 ft.² and has won praise for the way it blends with the landscape and the decision to minimize its carbon footprint, which earned it Gold LEED certification.

The idea of replacing the original structure that served as the festival’s third stage was not without controversy. The original Tom Patterson was beloved as it had served as a curling rink, a dance hall and a music venue in addition to hosting theatrical performances. Moreover, anxiety arose that the weight of the structure might adversely affect the river. To calm fears of such damage, the banks of the Avon were reinforced, at significant cost. The financial investment in the new theatre also raised some concerns. This intensified when the $72 million theatre, initially meant to open in 2020, was delayed for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately, since its opening, the Tom has become a much-loved addition to the Festival and has won plaudits for the way it has enhanced the shoreline.

In a nod to the history of the festival, the first play performed in the new venue was Richard III, which opened the inaugural season of the festival in the makeshift tent that served as its first home. The present beautiful structure is a memory of the past and an honouring of those who initiated the festival; at the same time, it tells stories and histories through plays on its unique stage. The audacity of its vision speaks to the importance of maintaining beauty in the Avon Commons.

The River Above the River Below is a vision inspired by the Provocations Ideas Festival. 

Introduction | Shakespearean Gardens  | Orr Dam | Allward Monument | The Tom | Festival Theatre | The Lookout | Healing Waters | Island  | Gallery Pathways | North Shore | TJ Dolan Pathway | Conclusion