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Diesel Playhouse
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
56 Blue Jays WayToronto, ON M5V 2G3
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core
(416) 971-5656
5 reviews for Diesel Playhouse
5 reviews in English
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Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
5/1/2012
This theater doesn't exist anymore. It closed in 2008. If the name of the theater sounds familiar, this is the place where Evil Dead musical was played. I had a blast (literally..... splashes of BLOOD! lol) at the theater in 2008 when I went to see Evil Dead. It was very inviting, and the chairs were comfortable. Acoustics were excellent as well. Visibility was excellent since there was more than enough incline on the seating level.
I am writing this review because the city needs more cultural destinations like Diesel House. We live in a world where even theaters are run by corporations with sole interest of generating profits. And smaller theaters with limited resources and access to the public media are crushed by corporate giants. This is where creativity at purest form happens. It is up to you to digest what you witness in the theater without being told what emotions to feel and what logics to think.
If there are more theaters like this, there will be more opportunities for young artists to spread their wings. And we will have more opportunities to experience new things, explore new ideas and challenge conventions. We also will have more activities to enjoy.
It is such a shame that a city's cultural pillar had to sacrifice for.... a condo....... -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2009
It is a large space, with lots of places to sit. This is normally not a bad thing, but depending on the popularity of the show, it could make for an incredibly awkward experience. There were about five people in attendance the night I went, and because of it, the MC was forced to encourage banter between the people sitting in polar opposite sections of the theatre. Weird.
For popular events like Evil Dead: the Musical, I think this place would've been fun, but that dinner theatre layout of it is a bit too formal, making me feel 2 parts uncomfortable and 1 part guilty if I decide not to order anything but tap water. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/24/2008
It appears the Diesel has finally found its niche. The Diesel began its life as a new home for Toronto's Second City (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) and there were problems from Day One, sadly. Second City having moved from the Old Firehall on Lombard was used to tightly packed crowds in a small venue. When the move to the Diesel happened, Second City was welcomed with a large amphitheatre with elevated tables along each row and space between each to allow wait staff to bring in food and drinks with ease. Though a truly novel concept, this did not work for improv. Second City has moved to a newer space now behind Wayne Gretzky's (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...), but now the Diesel can use the novelty of its set-up as an advantage.
Upon entering the Diesel, you mount the stairs (or elevators...don't worry it's wheelchair accessible) to the top floor where a long bar will afford you a pre-show drink. Upon entering the venue, you are taken to your seat and again, there's ample space in front to allow the servers to bring refreshments throughout the night. The playhouse has still housed some sketch and improv, but has been used more often to put on stand-up comedy showcases as well as runs of plays such as the much acclaimed "Evil Dead: The Musical". Putting on a zombie show? Yeah, it appears to have found its way. -
Review from Jimi S.
ON
12/11/2008
i havent seen any of the larger shows that appear at the diesel but i have both performed there and seen shows in the cabaret space that sits beside it.
that stage is a little black box, but with a proper proscenium arch and is great for little shows or improv. the room can get quite dark when a show is on. its filled with little tables and lots of chairs, lots even lining the back wall so theres always space to be found.
theres a full service bar 2 flights up, that has a decent selection of beer and theres lots of space to mill about during and before intermissions to gab and so forth. closer to the cabaret space are some tables as well.
if you are a smoker or just want a nice view of the cityscape you can walk out onto the balcony which is large enough for a good 30 people lets say (thatd be real crowded though). -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2008
Diesel Playhouse is actually gonna close soon. In another year, it's gonna be torn down to become condos and a hotel. Most recently they hosted the Brazillian Girls show and they did a full theatre run of Evil Dead: The Musical. It's a private venue with two theatres, the main and a smaller one that also hosts public shows. It's got that super old school, red-carpeted theatre vibe that is becoming more and more rare in the city.
