'The Sid Williams Theatre' first came to life under the name of 'The Gaiety Theatre' in the 1920's and, soon after, 'The Bickle Theatre' in the 1930's. Originally opened as a state-of-the-art sound movie theatre, the stage of the Bickle saw a number of plays and musical events before turning into an auction house.
On an early January morning in 1968, the Riverside Hotel at the corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay burned down. This event was the turning point by which the citizens of the Comox Valley acquired a civic performing arts theatre.
After a great deal of fundraising, a land-swap involving Crown Zellerback, a generous donation by the E.W. Bickle family, and a lot of "blood, sweat, and tears" on the part of many individuals and groups in the community, the 'black hole that used to be the Riverside Hotel' got cleaned up. A fountain was built, the 'old Bickle' was renovated, and in September 1971 the new Civic Theatre and Civic Square were opened by Premier W.A.C. Bennett.
In honour of a much loved local actor & comedian, it was named the Sid Williams Civic Theatre in 1984. Sid Williams was born Frederick Sidney Williams on October 14th, 1908, in New Westminster. He arrived in the Comox Valley in 1921. Sid's earliest stage appearance was in a school production in 1922. This began a lifetime of theatre involvement. His tours with the Barkerville Players and as Century Sam; his many live appearances, both local and distant; his television work (on The Beachcombers, PharmaSave commercials, and a documentary for CBC's On the Road Again) brought him many honours. Sid also served continuously as Alderman for the City of Courtenay from 1942 to 1964.
Sid ran the Civic Theatre for many years as a one man tour-de-force, and rain or shine could be seen up a ladder every week changing the messages on the Theatre's Marquee. He passed away on September 26th, 1991.
The Sid Williams Civic Theatre has been serving the Comox Valley for over 20 years as a performing arts facility, and has had a professional administration since 1992.
In 1998, the Sid was closed for some much needed renovations. After a few seismic tests, the City of Courtenay extended the original 1 million dollar budget to an incredible 2.5 million.
The renovations have extended the lobby, added a concession, a large ticket centre, 'family' viewing seats, an 144 seat balcony, many needed washrooms, a huge amount of dressing room spaces, and much, much more.
Now in the new millennium, the citizens of the Comox Valley are welcoming with open arms, the new 'Sid Williams Civic Theatre'.
See you there.
Let the Shows begin!!
Much of the history as written above comes from 'History of the SWT' by Nancy More. Thank you!
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View from the Stage 
View from the Balcony
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Theatre Auditorium
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Wheelchair Platform
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Piano
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Lots of leg room!
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Lobby
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Bar / Concession
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Ticket Centre
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Main Dressing Room
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Photo Gallery 2
In 2006, the Sid Williams Theatre Society began presenting a new series of individual performance events under the ‘Star Spirit’ banner. These events featured Aboriginal artists. In the 2007-2008 season, the theatre presented the award winning singer-song writer, Susan Aglukark, Mascall Dance: Traces of Emily Carr, and Finding Dawn. During the month of July, local carver, Charlie Johnson, Kwaguilth, was commissioned to carve a mask for the new Sid Williams Podium. The sun image was chosen to adorn the podium, because it symbolizes the provision of healing, energy and life . The sun’s rays are the means of travel between the earth and sky. An artist in residence program in the green room enabled visitors to observe Mr. Johnson and to talk to him about the creation of the mask. Official acknowledgement of this mask will be made on Sunday October 5, 2008 at the Sid, just prior to a presentation given by Lieutenant General, the Honorable Romeo Dallaire (Ret.)
Charlie Johnston at work carving mask
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Charlie Johnston at work carving mask
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Charlie Johnston
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Brian Kruse, Seat Plaque Recipient
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Brian Kruse's Seat Plaque
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SWTS Board President recieving certificate for purchase of Seat Plaque
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Original fountain in SWT Plaza
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Sherry & Kenny Shaw
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Long time Volunteers
Sharon & Harry
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Art show at Emily Carr performance
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Komux Pathfinders with Dancers
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Young fan with Romanza
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