The hall was designed by local architect Herbert Gates to include an opera house/community hall/auditorium. The hall included a kitchen allowing it to be used for community dances and banquets. In 1984 the building was designated a Canadian National Historic Site.
No longer Liverpool's town hall, it has recently been restored and renovated, then reopened as a cultural centre and theatre, the Astor Theatre. No longer Liverpool's town hall, it has recently been restored and renovated, then reopened as a cultural centre and theatre, the Astor Theatre. The Astor Theatre provides both live stage theatre and movies. The movies screened include first run movies, Canadian made movies, both drama and documentary, and International films.
The cultural centre includes display space for museum artefacts which will be rotated through various locations in Nova Scotia, Liverpool included.
Below is the text from the CNHS plaque, while further below can be found the text from the Historic Places Canada Statement of Significance.
Designed by Halifax architect Herbert E. Gates, this dignified town hall was constructed in 1901 1902. Such buildings were central to civic life across the country, providing accommodation for the growing number of services administered by local governments and reflecting the pride and community spirit of the municipalities they served. This town hall features restrained classical detailing and is distinguished by its wooden construction. Although wood was the characteristic building material of the Maritimes, it rarely was used on town halls of this scale in the 20th century.
The Astor Theatre
The Astor Theatre is proud to be the oldest performing arts venue in the province. In 2002 the Astor Theatre celebrated 100 years of entertainment on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.
Built in 1902 as part of the historic Town Hall, the theatre was known as the Liverpool Opera House. It's stage hosted touring and local shows until 1917, when silent films were introduced. Gradually the film presentation gained in frequency and popularity. In 1930, talking pictures were shown for the first time. The first "talkie" shown in the theatre was "Love in the Rough", a comedy on golf. at the same time the name was changed to the Astor Theatre by Seth Bartling Sr. after his favourite theatre in New York.
During World War II the cinema featured regular war documentaries; news reels about the War in Europe became a staple of the Astor's presentations. Shortly after the war the theatre was renovated to accommodate more people in the balcony as cinema presentations grew in popularity. A new screen format was installed to allow cinemascope pictures in the late 50's. A larger screen was installed and the proscenium arch was widened to allow for the larger pictures. As well, the tin ceiling was plastered over to compensate for amplified sound.
For a time, there were few live presentations. In 1979, with increased interest in live presentation, the Astor began presenting local talent through the Winds of Change Dramatic Society. With the installation of a new thrust stage, the stage area was increased to accommodate larger and larger performing acts. In June 1987 The Astor Theatre Society was incorporated as a non-profit, charitable organization.
The Astor has played host to many touring artists including Rita MacNeil, Natalie MacMaster, Tommy Hunter, George Fox, Mr. Dressup, Symphony Nova Scotia, and the Royal Shakespeare Company to name a few. A particularly interesting feature is the tin ceiling as you enter the theatre. The entire theatre used to have a similar ceiling but changes were made to enhance the sound quality as it's usage changed. However the change in the main ceiling did not affect the acoustics which are some of the best in the province. The high rounded ceilings and the plaster walls make the Astor a wonderful place to enjoy concerts and plays. Why not find out for yourself?
From the Astor Theatre