Meridian Hall
Meridian Hall
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Meridian Hall (formerly the Sony Centre), Toronto's first performing arts centre and one of the largest theatres in Canada, has played a defining role in the cultural life of Toronto for more than 50 years. Today, Meridian Hall's mission is to unite the global citizens of Toronto through great artistic experiences. Meridian Hall presents year-round programming including concerts, musical theatre, gala and fundraisers, family entertainment, comedy, and dance. Meridian Hall has also recently introduced community classes ranging from yoga classes to art lessons. It is truly where the world comes to play!
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Address
Neighborhood: Waterfront Communities-The Island
How to get there
- King • 5 min walk
- Union • 5 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
161 reviews
Excellent
57
Very good
61
Average
17
Poor
11
Terrible
15
bonnienclyde
Brampton, Canada69 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
This is a review of the venue. My husband and I were so disappointed when we sat down in the auditorium to watch Lord Of The Rings, a 3.5 hour concert and had to leave at intermission. The seating was unbelievably tight, worse than coach airline seats or seats in the movie theatres. There was no room for people to pass to get to their seat, even if you’re standing. This seating would be good for the hobbits but that’s about it. If you are tall or fluffy (larger than size 12) then I do not recommend.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darcette
Toronto, Canada93 contributions
Sep 2022
This is a review of the venue, not one of my favourite bands, Porcupine Tree. While the venue is modern and comfortable with a civilized bar area, the staff did not respect the wishes of the band nor the audience.
This was a heavy hard rock alternative band who wanted the audience to stand up, appreciate them by showing enthusiasm and evoke some energy. The band repeated asked us to stand up and show them that Toronto had some life. We were repeatedly told to sit down and actually told we would be thrown out if we stood up! We were treated like petulant school children and talked down to by rude security staff. We waited a decade for this band to perform together again and the evening was tainted by this venue and their ignorant security staff.
Know your audience. Listen to the artists. Stop being overbearing control-freaks if you want people to enjoy being entertained here!
This was a heavy hard rock alternative band who wanted the audience to stand up, appreciate them by showing enthusiasm and evoke some energy. The band repeated asked us to stand up and show them that Toronto had some life. We were repeatedly told to sit down and actually told we would be thrown out if we stood up! We were treated like petulant school children and talked down to by rude security staff. We waited a decade for this band to perform together again and the evening was tainted by this venue and their ignorant security staff.
Know your audience. Listen to the artists. Stop being overbearing control-freaks if you want people to enjoy being entertained here!
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie D
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Friends
Wanda Sykes was amazing. Hilarious. No complaints. The staff at Meridian was terrible. We arrived early for the show, but still managed to be 35 minutes in line waiting for our phones to be put away in pouches. That was just the beginning of the unorganized chaos. The opening act was already on stage while we looked for our seats. Lights were off, no phones for flashlights, we couldn’t see anything. No clue where we were going. Each entrance kept telling us that we were on the wrong side. We were sent back and forth three times. The lady on the left hand side told me after we had been sent back to her entrance (which ended up being the right one on our third attempt) “well I don’t know what to tell you. You might have to ask a few different people to find your seats”. Not an usher inside to help. We were a group of five wandering around frustrated and annoyed. When someone finally assisted us, of course there were people in our seats. The usher walked away and just left us to deal with it. Again no access to our phones for tickets, and no lights to confirm on the little hand written post it note we were given with our seat numbers. We sat down with ten seconds to spare before Wanda came on and made us forget about the disaster… until the end of the show. Zero direction on where and how to take our phones out of the pouches. We were just rushed out onto the sidewalk and forced to find staff to do it.. NO ORGANIZATION OR ASSISTANCE YET AGAIN. I’m not sure if they don’t have enough staff, but they definitely do not have helpful staff. I will avoid ever going to an event here again.
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving38946667555
3 contributions
May 2022
Went there on the 2nd March 2022.
Great venue in walking distance from the hotel
Easy access to refreshments and amenities.
Seats great. You can see the whole stage.
Will be back hopefully for more concerts.
Great venue in walking distance from the hotel
Easy access to refreshments and amenities.
Seats great. You can see the whole stage.
Will be back hopefully for more concerts.
Written May 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
InnaYYZ
Toronto, Canada1,496 contributions
Aug 2019 • Business
I have come here for many performances and private events, but at times am not quite sure what theatre I am going to because of all the name changes. The theatre is very nice, great stage, good cushioned seating, roomy, good acoustics, and many great performances. Watched a comedy play on this visit. Great venue.
Written August 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yyz14209
Mississauga, Canada113 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
My wife and I went to see Prince “Piano & A Microphone” on Friday March 25 1st show. The venue is extremely well suited for an intimate performance. The staff was very profession, proficient and cordial.
Written April 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you for the positive review. The (absolutely amazing) Prince "Piano & A Microphone" concerts made for a very busy evening for our staff. I am glad that our high standards were maintained and that you enjoyed your time at the Sony Centre.
Warmly,
Jessica Rashotte, Associate Manager, Promotions
Written April 26, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VACATIONER097
Toronto, Canada191 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
We attended the annual Stuart McLean show at the Sony Centre today. The show was terrific. Unfortunately, the renovated theatre is not! In pursuit of the almighty dollar, they decided to squeeze in as many additional seats as possible. The seats are a lot smaller than before, less comfortable, the rows are closer together, and they have added drink holders for God's sake to the back of every seat with the result that you will bang a knee on this thing all through the show.
Every movie theatre in Toronto has better seating than this place. If you have to see a show here, get aisle seats if possible.
You think what's happening to airplane seating is bad? That's nothing compared to the seating at the Sony Centre. Anyone more than 6 feet tall and over 225 pounds may find themselves stuck in one of those seats for a week!
Maybe the brains trust that runs this place might add business class seating for those willing to pay extra.
Stay away!
Every movie theatre in Toronto has better seating than this place. If you have to see a show here, get aisle seats if possible.
You think what's happening to airplane seating is bad? That's nothing compared to the seating at the Sony Centre. Anyone more than 6 feet tall and over 225 pounds may find themselves stuck in one of those seats for a week!
Maybe the brains trust that runs this place might add business class seating for those willing to pay extra.
Stay away!
Written December 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Poisongirlsweet666
Canada7 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
The venue is very nice, and the location is great as it is so close to Union station, which makes coming in from out of the city very easy. The staff on the other hand leaves much to be desired. The day the Lana Del Rey tickets came on sale I called to inquire about accessible seating. I have an autoimmune disease that effects my joints- my knees are the worst; and as a result I cannot sit or stand for long periods of time, and need to move around in order to manage the pain. I explained all of this to the department that deals with the accessible seating, and over the phone they were wonderful. I expressed my concern that I did not look like a person with mobility issues, and they assured me that this was not going to be a problem as they understood the situation, and that accessible seating was not just for people with wheelchairs. Again, I was so amazed with how the situation was being dealt with from the get go. In the end I was placed on the call list and told that it was first come first serve, so that there was no guarantee I would get a seat. I was fortunate enough to get one though.
When I arrived at the venue the seats were just how they had been explained to me over the phone, they were perfect. I sat, twice the ushers came over to check my ticket to make sure I was in the right spot- that was fine. They very politely asked me if I could move my seat over a little bit, and I did. On another occasion, right before the show was to begin, the ushers noticed that a couple in front of me was in the wrong seats, so seats had to be brought in, in which they were placed right beside me, and again I was asked to move over. At one point, the ushers even attempted to get me to sit in the normal seats as I assume it was causing too much confusion, and I explained to them my mobility issues, and they were fine with that.
When the show started a women came and stood behind me for a period of time without speaking. She proceeded to then ask to see my ticket, which for a third time was fine. When she began to explain why she wanted to see the tickets though she became very rude. She explained that she was waiting for someone in a wheelchair to sit in that area as well. I was fine with that. She then proceeded to accuse me of buying the tickets from someone in a wheelchair from the US. She told me she could check to see if I was the one who originally bought them. I said I was (NOTE: They checked my ID upon picking up my ticket) and explained the situation, again she was rude, proceeding to tell me I had no right to be in this section as there were others who apparently deserved to be there more than I did.
Overall, the whole situation left a very bad taste in my mouth and ruined my concert experience for the evening, leaving me very upset. The staff clearly needs to be more educated on how to support people with invisible illnesses, and to not make assumptions based solely on peoples’ physical appearances.
I will not be returning to this venue, and I will make sure I share this review with others who suffer from invisible illnesses, so that they know the Sony Centre is not a supportive space for these individuals.
When I arrived at the venue the seats were just how they had been explained to me over the phone, they were perfect. I sat, twice the ushers came over to check my ticket to make sure I was in the right spot- that was fine. They very politely asked me if I could move my seat over a little bit, and I did. On another occasion, right before the show was to begin, the ushers noticed that a couple in front of me was in the wrong seats, so seats had to be brought in, in which they were placed right beside me, and again I was asked to move over. At one point, the ushers even attempted to get me to sit in the normal seats as I assume it was causing too much confusion, and I explained to them my mobility issues, and they were fine with that.
When the show started a women came and stood behind me for a period of time without speaking. She proceeded to then ask to see my ticket, which for a third time was fine. When she began to explain why she wanted to see the tickets though she became very rude. She explained that she was waiting for someone in a wheelchair to sit in that area as well. I was fine with that. She then proceeded to accuse me of buying the tickets from someone in a wheelchair from the US. She told me she could check to see if I was the one who originally bought them. I said I was (NOTE: They checked my ID upon picking up my ticket) and explained the situation, again she was rude, proceeding to tell me I had no right to be in this section as there were others who apparently deserved to be there more than I did.
Overall, the whole situation left a very bad taste in my mouth and ruined my concert experience for the evening, leaving me very upset. The staff clearly needs to be more educated on how to support people with invisible illnesses, and to not make assumptions based solely on peoples’ physical appearances.
I will not be returning to this venue, and I will make sure I share this review with others who suffer from invisible illnesses, so that they know the Sony Centre is not a supportive space for these individuals.
Written May 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela B
3 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
We went to the matinee on Saturday with 2 grandparents (over 80) our two sons(over 30) and mu husband and myself. Show was slow starting. Very evident show depends on the type of people who are in attendance. Very plain lunch. Actors could have worked the room more. Guests with specific occasions (birthdays) received more attention. Enjoyed the experience but the actors didn't seem to have as much energy as they might at night. There were also small children at the show which was surprising. The tickets were bought by our son as a family Christmas gift and we spent time together doing something new. Objective met!
Written March 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zyg022
Port Moody, Canada130 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Went here for the first time with high expectations, the Scottish Tatoo. The Tatoo was ok, and was as expected, good entertainment. However the facility seemed lacking, washrooms on the lowest floor, real narrow entrances to the wash rooms It was almost stifeling warm during the performances. And the worst ..... the seating, once again if someone of even medium height sat in front of you your line of vision is obsured ! You would think they would get this right, after all you are there to SEE a live performance. The seating is also very narrow for leg room and for exit/entry to your seating.
Written January 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fejiro d
Ottawa, Canada
Hi everyone, Im looking to attend a show in this venue should I get mezzanine or orchestra seats
Written November 11, 2021
Can you recommend a good place to grab a quick bite (limited time), could eat and be out in about 45-60min before a show?
Written January 27, 2020
Yes. Go one block south to the Esplanade and go east. Lots of good places to eat. We went to the Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery. Food was great. So was the beer. 7 or 8 minute walk from Meridian Hall.
Written January 27, 2020
Am I able to bring a backpack with a laptop to an event?
Written October 17, 2019
Which hotel is a short walk from this center?
Written March 16, 2017
D and S B
Toronto, Canada
Other nice hotels less than10 minute walk up Yonge
Street include:
1) Executive Hotel Cosmopolitan Toronto at 8 Colborne Street, on east side of Yonge and
2) One King West Hotel and Residence at I King Street on the west side of Yonge Street at Melinda Street
Written November 5, 2018
Looking to go to paw patrol with a child. Can someone please tell me about balcony seating?? Can you even see the stage very well or nor really???
I've never been.
Written October 22, 2016
Hi Slaw, yes, you can see the stage, it's set up more like a mezzanine. That being said, I would not bring a little one and sit up there. They won't be able to grasp all of the details of the show being that far back. Good Luck!
Written October 22, 2016
Is there an elevator for balcony seating
Written February 18, 2016
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