Along Nova Scotia’s South Shore where the Mersey River meets the Atlantic Ocean in Liverpool is the jewel of Queens County, a national historic site and former town hall (1902-1996) that features Nova Scotia’s oldest continuously running performing arts theatre.

Now the Astor Theatre and Arts Centre – or simply The Astor – the structure was built in 1902 on land donated by the Gorham family. It was designed by renowned Halifax architect Herbert Gates (1874-1944) in the Classical Revival Style to serve as both the official town hall and a theatre, back-to-back with separate entrances.

The Astor Theatre, called the Liverpool Opera House until the 1930s, still operates, but the Liverpool Town Hall stopped functioning in its official capacity in 1996, when the Town of Liverpool amalgamated with the Municipality of the County of Queens to become part of the Region of Queens Municipality.

The iconic 2.5-story green-trimmed white building features a hipped roof with gables projecting on each side of the facade, a stylized dormer window between, eave brackets, cupola topped with a schooner weathervane, and a centred portico with double doors and a beautiful arched stained-glass window.

Interior renovations made in 2014-2015 opened the town hall to the theatre and optimized the space as an arts and community centre while retaining its original character and historic features.

The Astor now hosts a full spectrum of performing and visual arts, including live theatre and shows, dance, movies, art shows and exhibitions, community events, and the flagship Astor Academy.

The Astor Theatre Society (ATS) was established in 1987 as a non-profit charitable organization to support the Astor Theatre. The ATS governing board is responsible for overseeing operations of the Astor Theatre and since 2020, the Arts Centre.

The Liverpool Town Hall was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984.

The Liverpool Town Hall and Astor Theatre was designated a Nova Scotia heritage property in 1995.

The Astor Theatre is Nova Scotia’s oldest continuously running performing arts theatre, and one of only two independent movie houses in the province.

Originally known as the Liverpool Opera House, the theatre was built in 1902 as part of the Liverpool Town Hall and hosted touring and local shows until 1917, when silent films were introduced. In 1930, talking pictures (movies) were shown for the first time. The first “talkie” screened in the theatre was “Love in the Rough,” a 1930 golf comedy.

During the 1930s, the name was changed to the Astor Theatre by Liverpool native Seth M. Bartling, Sr. (1886-1954), town clerk (1918-1939) and Queens MLA (1933-37), after his favourite theatre in New York.

The Astor Theatre retains the classic look of an early 1900s opera house with rounded ceilings, elaborate mouldings, and plaster walls, making it a spectacular place to enjoy live performing arts and movies. After renovations were made to the main ceiling to enhance sound quality for expanded offerings, part of the original tin ceiling was left intact at the back of theatre.

This iconic theatre features some of the best acoustics in the province while retaining its century-old character.

During World War II the Astor screened war documentaries and news reels. After the war, as cinema gained popularity, balcony renovations were made to accommodate more people.

In the late 1950s, a new screen format with a larger screen was installed to allow Cinemascope pictures. The proscenium arch over the stage was widened for the larger screen. The tin ceiling was plastered over in the main theatre seating area to compensate for amplified sound.

The Astor began hosting local theatre talent through the Winds of Change Dramatic Society in 1979, following an increased interest in live performances. A new thrust stage was installed, and the stage area was increased to accommodate larger performing acts.

The Astor has played host to many touring artists including Matt Andersen, George Canyon, the Barra MacNeils, Jill Barber, Stewart MacLean, Ron James, Rita MacNeil, Natalie MacMaster, Tommy Hunter, Carroll Baker, George Fox, Mr. Dressup, Symphony Nova Scotia, Debut Atlantic, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Designated a national historic site by the Canadian government, the historic Liverpool Town Hall is now the Astor Arts Centre. It was the functioning  town hall from 1902, when it was built, to 1996, when the Town of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, amalgamated with the Municipality of the County of Queens. The name changed from the Town Hall Arts & Cultural Centre to the Astor Arts Centre in 2025.

Its iconic double door portico opens to a stunning birch grand staircase, with antique globe lights, that ascends to a landing flanked by split stairs for access to second floor meeting rooms, gallery, and office, and balcony entrance to the theatre. The original council chamber is now the Gorham Room, serving as the boardroom and event venue.

The main floor features a wood coffered ceiling, replicating the original moulding design. Next to the stairs is one of the original vault doors.  To the right is the box office and hallway to the theatre and bar. To the left is the main floor meeting space and gallery.

Today, the building serves as a program and exhibition space, event venue, meeting space, and a place for the community to gather.