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Orpheum
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Music Venues, Performing Arts [Edit]
884 Granville StVancouver, BC V6Z 1K3
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District
(604) 665-3050
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for Orpheum
21 reviews in English
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Review from Veronica D.
Vancouver, BC
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful building. No problem getting quickly before the show.
Went here with my husband for a Fray concert. We enjoyed it and hope to see more concerts here.
I find it rather rude for people to be angry at a nice building for not letting patrons (who could potentially be drunk or dancing) bring their beer or wine in plastic cups into the show. We bought bottled water and had no problem. The issue is that alcoholic drinks #1. stain #2. smell and #3. are served in cups without lids.
I don't think you have to be getting drunk to enjoy a concert. If you need liquor that badly drink it during the 45 min intermission or something.
This building houses other events other than rock/alternative concerts and shouldn't get trashed because of a few rowdy individuals. So I think this policy is fair to keep it nice and clean for everyone.
No one's dying from dehydration from lack of beer. Water is allowed.
Give them a break... -
Review from Luisa D.
5/2/2012
I got to see The White Stripes here in 2005, Queens of the Stone Age in 2007 and my son walk across the stage as he graduated from High School in 2010. All very different events with one common theme: a beautiful venue with amazing acoustics. Everyone's written about how lovely it is and really you need to see all of the amazing detail in person.
I'm pretty sure that when QOTSA and The Distillers got here they must have wondered what their booking agent was thinking. It certainly wouldn't be my first choice for a show that I want to dance to although I'll admit that The White Stripes seemed to fit perfectly with this backdrop.
At least you know the sound is going to be amazing!Listed in: Ain't Nothing Like the Real…
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Review from Herman E.
1/11/2012
Over the years I have seen many performances here.
To name a few:
Lang Lang
Naida Cole (she is now retired)
VSO
Jose Carreras
It's beautiful inside and the sight lines and acoustics are wonderful.
Nuff said.Listed in: Hollywood North
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Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went to the Orpheum last week for the first time since I was in high school. I forgot what a beautiful theater it is.
The Orpheum is apparently a National Historic Site which is kinda cool, and I believe it's managed by the City of Vancouver. It's a beautiful old space with a balcony that overlooks the stage and incredible interior design.
I was there to see Stewart McLean's Vinyl Cafe for the Christmas Show and it was pretty decent. We had what I thought were going to be amazing seats (6th row, left) but I found that the way the stage lighting is hung it was glaring in my eyes as I tried to watch the performance.
The other thing that drove me nuts is that there is insufficient leg room. I'm not a giant, but I am quite tall and I found after an hour of sitting there my legs were driving me crazy. Because the seating isn't very slanted, I felt bad sitting up straight because of the little old lady behind me so I sat, in pain, for the remainder of the show.
The other thing I found challenging was how small the main entrance is. It was impossible to get in or out when it flooded with people and I was with someone who was quite claustrophobic, so that wasn't great.
All in all the sound wasn't bad and the stage was totally viewable from every angle. I thought it was a great show and the venue was nice.
I obviously will go back, as it's a beautiful venue. -
Review from Fritz S.
7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great Venue!
Went to see SWV, Genuwine, and Toni Toni Toni when they performed on July 1st. The show was great despite the lack of attendance lol. Great sound system, and the acoustics in this theater are stellar! A beautiful old style building with gold and warm colors, the only downside for the "alkys" was that you can't bring any drinks in the theater. u must consume in the lobby area. Oh well. I hope to see more shows up in this bitch soon :) -
Review from Lindsey S.
12/9/2010
Absolutely stunning venue.
The interior is amazing, and the ceiling mural is so cool!
My group and I were running a tad behind, so the ushers were basically running us to our seats before the symphony started which I thought was annoying, but I understand.
There's water fountains, which I thought was cute.
I would definitely come back up to Vancouver for another show, the Orpheum was great and located near restaurants/bars for a pre or post-funk.Listed in: Over the Border and through…
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Review from Jenn W.
2/12/2009 ROTD 5/12/2009
The Orpheum is a gorgeous old venue, however it is probably best suited to classical and instrumental genres of music - what with it's seating room only and it's rule obsessed, cranky, older docents. It was disappointing to stand in a huge line for drinks only to be told (via finger wagging even!) that we were not allowed to bring them to our seats.
The show was a double bill, with the band I was most interested in seeing playing first. Nobody stood up! The girl at the end of our row tried to and a docent chased her back to her seat! I wanted to dance but was instead reduced to doing some sort of ridiculous bouncing in my seat.
The docents didn't calm down until the second band invited everyone to stand up (unfortunately the second band was bland and derivative, so we left three songs in).
Lessons:
1) don't buy overpriced drinks moments before the show begins
2) heckle the band to invite you to stand up
3) be prepared to "dance" in a foot of space between chairs (if allowed to stand up in the first place) -
Review from Mathieu Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/7/2009
The Orpheum is one of the only venues in Vancouver that you can hear the bands over the incessant chatter of the concert goers. If youre really interested in the music you dont need to express it by flailing your new moves in a crowd of sweaty inebriated fans.The place is quiet and enthusiasm is condoned when appropriate! Also, you dont actually NEED to dress nicely to attend a show, although formal dress is definitely encouraged.
The acoustics are clear and the sightlines are well defined. The art always adds to the performance rather than detracts. This is probably the only legitimately classy venue in the city.Listed in: Dance to this music
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Review from Evilyn T.
5/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sure, the Orpheum is the most beautiful venue in the city, I won't argue that. However, when I go to a show at the Orpheum, I want to enjoy the show like I would at any other venue. If I want to take a drink to my seat, I want to have the luxury to do that. They serve you beer and wine in plastic cups, so it's not like you are going to hurt anyone with a glass that might break if you have one too many. And if you spill, you'll only be spilling on seats that are likely covered in stains when the houselights are up anyways. So why can't we have drinks inside the theatre? It's not the seats people come to the Orpheum to see, it's the lovely architecture, so if there are really sloppy people out there that spill, it won't really affect anyone's overall experience at the Orpheum. When I was there last night for the Pixies show (which was awesome btw) no one even sat down in their seat anyways!
Which leads me to my next gripe: seated venues. Ok, I get it. There are old people out there that like to go to the symphony and drink expensive wine from champagne flutes and get all gussied up and sit down and relax (or chair dance, you know the old guys who actually wave their hands about like they are conducting the symphony?) Anyways, yes, these people probably want seats in a theatre like the Orpheum. It makes sense. For me, I like to be able to get up and dance, and sing along and clap my hands and jump up and down. This becomes very difficult when you are in a seated venue, especially when you only have that small stretch of leg room to stand up and do so. In the past when I have been to shows here and people have tried to "rush the stage" or sneak out of their seats and dance in the isles, they have been told to go back to their seat because the isles must be clear as a safety hazard. This makes sense too. But why on earth are you booking bands like The Pixies then, in a venue where you can't bring in drinks, and you have to stay in your seat?
Oh right I almost forgot, because there are not enough venues in this city to accommodate live shows. Maybe it's not the Orpheum I should be rating 3 stars, it's the city and it's shitty licencing laws. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
10/17/2008
This beautiful old theatre is both an importance piece of Vancouver's heritage and a great place to see a show. It was first built in 1927 and then completely refurbished in the late 1970s. The result is a theatre with an ornate interior like no other venue. The acoustics are also very good, and it works well for every kind of music event from symphony concerts to rock shows.
When I was little, my parents dragged me and my sisters to see family pops symphony concerts, and I was at least happy then that there was so much to look at in terms of those great arches behind the stage.
More recently, my friend treated me to a Blue Rodeo concert here last winter and it was the perfect setting for their intimate yet rockin' set.
Unlike most theatres too, the lobby is enormous. When everyone races to the bar or to the bathrooms at intermission, you at least don't feel all crowded in, even if you have to wait in a lineup. Of course, because it's so big and there are so many doors and stairs and passageways, you have to remember the way back to your seat! -
Review from Dani B.
12/16/2009
Great for sit-down shows, not so great for dancing.
I went here to see Ben Harper and the acoustics in this place are freaking amazing. At one point he put down the mic and kept singing and the room vibrated with his booming voice, awesome!
However, I wouldn't go here if the band or person I want to see was super energetic. I've heard of people dancing here but I don't really see how its possible.
However, if a super chill act decides to play here, i'd be more then happy to return to the Orpheum. -
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
4/18/2010
Been to the Orpheum a few times over the years - usually for some VSO concerts and most recently for the Conan tour.
PROS:
- gorgeous old venue (check out the roof mural) with amazing acoustics - probably the best sit-down venue in Vancouver with great views from the lower balcony
- ushers are pretty good - they usually give you some slack if you're trying to take a picture or two, but will warn people if they are pretty much non-stop filming/shooting the show (which I find very distracting)
- drinks are reasonably priced for a venue - highballs are about $6 and there's tons of lobby space to chill and wait for the show
CONS
- drinks are not allowed to seats (only water), so don't buy drinks too close to showtime. A bit of a downer, but this is a classy joint and I don't think even I would appreciate drinks being spilled inside the posh venue
- energy is subdued in this place due to the rigid seating - standing is only cool if you're in a standing ovation. Stand too long and an usher will ask you to sit down.
Can't really knock on the Orpheum for the rigid rules - it's not a place to get smashed and drunkenly dance to a band and they want to make sure everyone can see the show. Awesome venue for symphonies and stage acts. -
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
11/20/2008 1 photo
With its old-school façade, coming here for an evening out lends the whole event a retro feel of refined ornamentation, when going out was more than just donning a pair of dirty jeans and going to the movies. The lights outline the word "Orpheum", brightening the dark street and drawing the gaze of passersby upwards.
The Orpheum has played host to a number of different cultural events throughout the years. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Opera perform shows here regularly, as do more contemporary acts like Alanis Morissette (yeah, she's still kicking around). -
Review from Darien C.
BC
11/25/2008 3 photos
Orpheum is a Granville landmark and one of the best known venues in town. Personally, not a fan. Don't misunderstand, the interior is beautiful, the seating comfortable and the staff amazing. My issue simply lies in why I attend concerts. I'm not one to sit down, relax and listen to a live band. Find me on the dancefloor, in the most pit or generally bouncing around to live beats. Even when the seating isn't assigned, the mere fact that there is seating room only troubles me.
The Orpheum must be amazing for a good pianist, orchestral arrangement or a generally sedate show. These are not my kinds of nights and so barring the performance of an undeniable show, I opt for more upbeat venues. -
Review from Simon R.
BC
12/19/2008 1 photo
Ritzy and posh, the Orpheum is the classic ballroom space that hosts everything from big name Jazz Festival bands to high school graduation ceremonies. With deep circular seating wrapped around an enormous center stage, there's also several large overhanging balconies that all provide an amazing view (but may require binoculars).
The lobby is vast and beautiful, with marble archways and well-dressed hosts and security agents. It's a very nice nook to spend mingling during the intermission, drinking wine and feeling cultured.
This is the go-to venue for big name acts who can charge a little extra from their dedicated fans and still sell out a moderately large space. Always a little pricey, it gets bonus points for hosting my two favorite things in this world, Al Green and Kids In the Hall. -
Review from Victoria R.
BC
1/2/2009
Love the Orpehum!
It's the best for intimate concerts, seriously. I actually got a free ticket to see Feist a few years ago but I went solo and it was the best. I had a balcony seat and could see everything perfectly. The sound in the room is so clear and vibrant. I also saw Cesaria Evora there once and that was coolio as well. It's glamour at its best. Concave ceilings in cremes and golds, plush crushed velvet chairs in burgundies and beautiful chandeliers adorn the walls. So elegant and classy, just like the people who go there to see concerts and such. -
Review from Rick C.
9/19/2010
This is one of the better places in Vancouver to see a concert. The place is beautiful and the acoustics are stellar. Whether you're in front or in the balcony, it's a great view and an awesome place for a live show. There is so much history and culture in the building.
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Review from Catherine W.
New Westminster, BC
4/27/2010
This is probably the best place to see a live concert. it's small and intimate but the sound is the best in the entire city. No surprise there as it was sound renovated for the VSO. The venue itself is also the most beautiful venue. It's old and ritzy. The staff are good and make you feel welcome.
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Review from beki L.
Vancouver, BC
6/3/2010 3 photos
was here today for my baby brothers graduation ceremony.
absolutely LOVE the decor of the place... makes me wish i lived in the 50's or 60's when people would get dressed to the nine's to watch live theatre or concert....
the amazing high ceilings and chandeliers always captivate me...
i was here for a russell peters show a few years back...awesome.
the only problem i had....our family was taking photos during the ceremony..and we got in trouble by one of the 'ushers', we weren't allowed to take photos with flash inside. (huh? i never knew that....) what annoyed me was that every single person in the place were taking photos with the flash on...and i didn't see any other ushers go up to them to stop them from doing it.
so i continued to take my pictures with flash and all!! i was kinda hoping for the usher to come back to bother me about it so i could point out to her that the entire place was twinkling with flashes... so why hasn't she stopped everyone else yet? yah, im being a smartass. -
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
9/16/2009
This is the place to see someone you really want to listen to, not someone who should be playing the Commodore. I have seen acts such as Stephane Grappelli solo and Bob Dylan on this stage, I have bought last minute single seats for bands I just saw were playing that week. There is not a poor seat in the house I much prefer it over the Queen E for intimate concerts, I can understand the comment from those who want to dance about but that doesn't happen here it is after all the home of the VSO.
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Review from Jeff M.
Vancouver, BC
3/29/2010
my favourite venue in vancouver. sound is A+, they even have speakers at the stage lip so you can hear vocals if you have front and center seats. the inside is eye candy.
