The Old Church Theatre at Eighth Street and Harmston Avenue is coming back to life, thanks to Doug Cox.

鈥淭he lease was finalized last week,鈥� Cox said.

Cox, who is also the artistic director and executive producer of Vancouver Island MusicFest, said ever since he rented the venue years ago for a few productions, he鈥檚 had a desire to manage the facility.

鈥淚鈥檝e always thought that was a gorgeous room, and I鈥檝e always fantasized about using it for various things,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just a 鈥榲ery right鈥� time for this to happen.鈥�

The timing is perfect. The Comox Valley has always been a cornucopia of musical and theatric talent, but the pandemic has created a shortage of venues for performers.

鈥淭he Cumby (Cumberland Hotel) closed down, the Avalanche closed down, and I realized that there just aren鈥檛 any venues around here anymore for music, other than the Sid, which is just simply too big for a lot of things,鈥� said Cox.

The Old Church Theatre Society, which owns and runs the building, has entered into a partnership with Cox to run the theatre, and be the artistic director of the theatre.

So what can fans expect, once the doors reopen?

Music, theatre, improv, and more, said Cox.

鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be a mix of international touring artists, and plays, and comedians as well. It鈥檚 going to have a mixture of (all those things).

鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to see theatre here in the Comox Valley - there has always been musical theatre since I have been here, but I鈥檝e never seen alternative theatre, modern theatre, fringe theatre so to speak,鈥� he said.

Cox expects shows to begin in January. Visit the website - - for more information.

terry.farrell@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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