If you are visiting Toronto and looking to experience groundbreaking performing arts, you should check out Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Established in 1978, this Canadian professional theatre company holds the title of the largest and longest-running queer theatre company in the world. Originally founded with a focus on staged adaptations of poetry, the company soon evolved under founding artistic director Sky Gilbert to build a distinctly queer aesthetic.
Today, you will find a creative space dedicated to the promotion of queer theatrical expression through work that is political, pro-sexual, and anti-establishment. Over the decades, Buddies in Bad Times has fostered top Canadian actors, playwrights, and directors while hosting notable festivals such as the long-running Rhubarb Festival. Located at its Alexander Street venue, the theatre has premiered and presented celebrated original plays, boundary-pushing performance art, and dynamic works-in-development.
Beyond traditional mainstage theatrical productions, you can encounter diverse programming ranging from comedy showcases to late-night entertainment series like Tallulah's Cabaret. Stepping inside gives you direct access to a pivotal institution in Canadian cultural history that continuously champions new, independent, and vibrant voices.
What to see at Buddies in Bad Times
- World's largest and longest-running queer theatre company, operating since 1978
- Home to the long-running Rhubarb Festival featuring short plays by local writers
- Known for political, pro-sexual, and anti-establishment theatrical performances
- Presents diverse programming from mainstage plays to late-night series like Tallulah's Cabaret
Visiting tips
Catch a performance during the annual Rhubarb Festival to experience groundbreaking short plays by emerging Canadian writers and directors.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Buddies in Bad Times is easy to reach on Toronto’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Toronto Zoo and Allan Gardens. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Toronto travel guide.
See the full Toronto travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.