The Vogue Theatre of Miramichi, New Brunswick was damaged in a fire early this morning. The fire claimed a handful of buildings, beginning with a nearby building on University Ave. that has been completely destroyed.
The Vogue Theatre was originally constructed in 1950 and served as a movie theatre for 50 years. The theatre closed in 2000 until being purchased and extensively renovated by a community of investors. The building re-opened in 2013 as a focal point for the performing arts in the region and as a place of worship.
The building has since seen further renovations, including the restoration of its iconic Vogue sign.
The Vogue Theatre has hosted performances from many East Coast mainstays over the years, including Shanneyganock, Lennie Gallant, The Town Heroes, Matt Andersen, Pretty Archie, Ryan Cook and Tomato/Tomato.
“Absolutely devastated to hear news of The Vogue Theatre in Miramichi being destroyed in a fire last night. It was one of the ‘special ones’ as a touring band. One of the places where they make you feel so at home and looked after, and a place where so many people in the community were brought together by the arts and as their place of worship,” said Lisa McLaggan of Tomato/Tomato in a Facebook post today.
“This is a huge loss for all of Miramichi and the larger arts community. Our hearts are with Victor Somers and the rest of Miramichi today. Come on, 2020. Enough is enough.”
Tomato/Tomato last performed at The Vogue Theatre in June of 2019.
The Vogue Theatre, like most everyone, was deeply affected by COVID-19, closing their doors and cancelling shows. The theatre was planning to re-open on September 12 with a performance from comedian James Mullinger.
Mullinger, who has been keeping busy with online shows and drive-in performances says that he has been devastated by the loss of the theatre.
“The Vogue was and is one of my absolute all-time favourite venues. Everything about it was magical. The acoustics, the original features, the facade, everyone that worked there, everyone that came there. It’s the only venue I played every single year. And it was always the highlight of my year,” says Mullinger. “I filmed my 2017 comedy DVD there. And it was one of those unique nights you never forget.”
“When I awoke to the awful news this morning I sat down and cried. There’s been a lot to cry about lately. But I’ve managed to resist. Today’s news broke me as it did so many others. I was due to play there next month (a show postponed from April) and looking forward to that show got me through lockdown. The arts community was already in a very bad way after recent events and today they got so much worse. I can’t think of anything good to say other than the fact that we all had so many happy memories there. From the couples I meet who had their first date there in the 1950s to the comedians, musicians and hypnotists who played there in the last few years, we will all remember the Vogue forever. If things carry on like this, I’m not sure I’ll still be a comedian this time next year.
“Victor Somers is one of the loveliest people I have ever worked with and I wish I could give him a hug today.”
According to the owner, Victor Somers, the building was rendered unsalvageable after the collapse of the roof. The remains of The Vogue Theatre are now undergoing a complete demolition conducted by work crews.