Since 1983, the Arden Theatre has been a staple of the greater Edmonton area’s arts and culture community. That’s thanks in part to the diverse performing arts experiences the venue brings in.
Elliott Garnier, a season programmer for the Arden since 2023, is recently returned from Edinburgh Fringe. He was there as part of the Canadian delegation to the festival, and he scoped out new theatre and comedy to bring to the Arden.
“We have a fantastic mix of film, family programming, music, comedy, theatre and dance coming to the space. It’s a great multidisciplinary mix of what’s happening in Canada and internationally,” says Garnier. “I’m gobsmacked! A lot of shows have already sold out.” That includes the season opener, Skerryvore, a Scottish Celtic rock musical group. Also on the lineup this year is folk music, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, a parody of Jurassic Park and Ballet Jörgen’s Swan Lake.
And while some folks might feel obligated to dress up for a night at the theatre, Garnier says the vibe is more welcoming and much less stuffy.
“There’s a perception that there’s a dress code, but the Arden is for everyone,” he adds. “Our goal is to have people see themselves in the programming, and that extends to the venue experience. Whether you feel like getting glammed up or just wearing a t-shirt and jeans, you’ll find your people at the Arden.”
No matter if you are a St. Albertan or if you are coming from an Edmonton neighbourhood, Garnier says the intimate shows at the Arden are just part of the experience, and he advises theatre goers to make a night of it. The nearby Art Gallery of St. Albert is worth a stop, as is WildRoots Bistro.
WildRoots is usually open only until 3 p.m., but — in collaboration with the Arden — it is offering a few ticketed late afternoon and early evening events especially for theatre goers. For example, timed for certain shows next door, the restaurant is offering a happy hour collaboration that involves drinks and tapas. On other evenings, WildRoots is staging a full dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m., timed to make sure diners are in their theatre seats for curtain time. Note that you need to book ahead and purchase tickets to the WildRoots food events and the Arden’s performances separately.
There’s plenty of other restaurants and bars in the area, too, including local fave Jack’s Burger Shack, Songkran Bistro (“My favourite place in Alberta for thai,” says Garnier) and the Riverbank Bistro, located in a converted Victorian home.
There’s also ample free parking on site, and the venue is walking distance to many of downtown St. Albert’s shops, bars and parks.
“Theres a sense of community that comes from seeing a show and connecting with other arts and culture lovers that care about the same things you care about,” says Garnier. “We try really hard to get people off their couch and come visit us.”
The Arden
Downtown | 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert | stalbert.ca/exp/arden
