Keswick Theatre Glenside PA – The Philadelphia Area’s Vintage Venue

2017 Update: The Keswick is still going strong, and I was lucky enough to be able to visit when it was empty recently and take some photos of the great architectural details that they've preserved here. And I learned it looks gorgeous during the daytime!

I also learned that there's a spot removed from the drop ceiling in the lobby, where you can peer up and see the original ornate archway - check it out next time you visit.

I love the juxtaposition of the classical architecture, the Arts and Crafts type screen and 1950s-60s' brass chandeliers:

I also appreciate that while renovating the theater and adding office space, the decorative ceiling was not compromised:

Another interesting note for the detail oriented like Mod Betty: Next time you're in the Keswick, take a look at the floor at the end of your row, and see if you can spot a filled-in circular area. Before there was air conditioning, the level below the auditorium floor would be filled with ice, and these circles had grates on them, allowing the cool air to refresh the patrons!

Lastly -  I learned that these two decorative ladies flanking the stage are known as the "Sea Goddesses" since they appear to be floating on shells with their feet being nibbled by fishes.

These screens hide the pipes to the theater organ owned by the Theater Organ Society of the Delaware Valley. While the organ is operational, it is rarely played - so if you're at a show where they do play it, you're a lucky patron! 

Original 2011 Post:

When looking for live entertainment we're kinda lucky in the Philadelphia area to have a few vintage venues to choose from, and The Keswick Theatre in Glenside PA is at the top of the list! It's a great place to see live music and shows of all kinds.

RetroRoadhusband and I were lucky enough to see Herb Alpert and Lani Hall there a few weeks ago - a class act in a class environment for sure.

Originally opened on Christmas night 1928 as a combination vaudeville/movie house, it was closed and slated for demolition in 1980. That was a crazy decade for the theatre, as it was re-opened, then closed again, then finally re-opened for good in 1988.

The Keswick is now on the list of "Pollstar's Top 50 Theater Venues" and the auditorium is considered to be one of the most "acoustically perfect" venues in the Philadelphia area.

We love the fact that The Keswick seems nestled into a little English Village when seen in the daytime, and it's a nice touch that they set up a full service bar in the lobby for "grown up beverages." And it's always nice to see a show in a classic setting like this.

Take a look at their website and you'll see everything from kids events to classic rock to jazz, 80s music and more. So if you're in the neighborhood, why not make a night of it and have dinner at The Blue Comet and take in a show at the Keswick - you'll feel like you're on a Retro RoadDate for sure!