Rickshaw Theatre - Archive

Rickshaw is a place where local bands could play and international acts could tour. A place off the beaten path and not part of the Granville strip. A place with a great pro sound system to showcase emerging talent as well as to hear your favorite band. A place with ambience, history, culture, 700 seats as well as working bathrooms!

Formerly a 1970's kung-fu cinema, the stunning 10,000 sq ft structure was unearthed by developer David Duprey and has now been transformed into an impressive live music and theatre venue. Centrally located in the heart of the Historic Downtown Eastside at 254 East Hastings, the theatre was originally constructed in 1974 and named the “Shaw” after its owner, one of the original Shaw brothers, who built an empire of chinese theaters in the 70's.  The theatre was closed to the public in 1984, and aside from a few memorable rave parties in the mid 90’s, this space has been unused for over two decades.