The final curtain will fall at on the Walter Twinn Theatre in Slave Lake next month — slowly, silently to an empty house. That after Town councillors voted unanimously last week to terminate their lease with the Slave Lake Musical Theatre Association, and not renew the month-to-month lease it currently holds with the barbershop on the other half of the building. SLMTA will have until the end of August to remove its props and equipment.
“She doesn’t care how many firemen stand at the door, she just doesn’t think (performances) should happen” until upgrades are complete. “Even if there are only 20 people there, it isn’t worth it.”
Those words of warning on behalf of the Town’s insurance account manager after she heard Slave Lake allowed its renters to host a performance at the Walter Twinn Theatre after the Town knew the building did not meet provincial codes in many areas. She was referring to the fact that the Association’s final performance in February was only allowed on special conditions – including one that insisted that firemen stand at the four exits to direct the audience in the event of fire.
Acting Manager Ed Procyshyn told councillors their insurance account manager was vehemently against allowing the Musical Theatre Association to host any more performances before the problems are fixed. And that would cost an estimated $100,000.
“She went on to say that since the Town….has been made aware of the upgrades, it gives rise to a possible action based on negligence.”
Procyshyn said the Association doesn’t have anywhere to store its equipment. He said he didn’t know how much was involved, but added Operations director Allan Anderson said it could be stored in the Town yard if the group can convince someone to build it a storage shed.
Mane Street Barbers owner Darryl Lund said he’s been expecting the closure for several months. In fact, he pulled the plug before council’s meeting, and will terminate his lease at the end of March.
“I’m looking forward to the move,” he told The Leader last week.
The barbershop, formerly owned and operated by Lund’s father Clare, has served as the southwest anchor of the community’s northeast section for more than three decades.

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