Historic Daisy Theatre Suffers Fire But Remains Standing

Firefighters responding to a fire at Historic Daisy Theatre in Memphis.

News Summary

The Historic Daisy Theatre on Beale Street in Memphis endured an accidental electrical fire, causing significant damage to the stage and props. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and firefighters’ quick response prevented further destruction. The theatre owner is committed to its restoration, hoping to preserve its cultural significance and serve the community despite the recent setback. The exterior remains intact, allowing plans for restoration to move forward without structural repairs.

Memphis – The Historic Daisy Theatre, located at 329 Beale Street in downtown Memphis, suffered an accidental electrical fire in the early hours of June 18, 2025. The fire, which originated in the stage area, was reported shortly after 1:30 a.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Firefighters were able to respond quickly, arriving on the scene in time to prevent the fire from spreading further. The theatre’s owner, who affectionately refers to the venue as her “Big Baby,” highlighted that had the firefighters arrived 20 minutes later, the entire building might have been destroyed. The blaze caused significant damage to the stage, props, and historical artifacts within the theatre.

The Historic Daisy Theatre has a storied past, having been a prominent venue on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” which showcased African American performers from the 1930s to the 1960s. Originally opening its doors in 1913 as a movie theatre, it has served as a critical entertainment hub for the Black community throughout its history.

Despite facing various challenges over the years, including instances of vandalism where graffiti was sprayed on its exterior walls, the theatre’s owner remains undeterred in her mission to preserve the venue. Considered to be over 100 years old, the theatre’s original structure has been a focal point of Catron’s restoration efforts.

While the recent fire caused notable destruction, the exterior of the Historic Daisy Theatre did not sustain damage, allowing for potential restoration efforts to proceed without the additional burden of structural repairs. Fire department representatives confirmed that the cause of the fire was linked to electrical issues within the theatre.

The owner is optimistic about the future of the Historic Daisy Theatre. She emphasized her commitment to restoring the venue based on its historical significance and the preservation of its artifacts. Despite the challenges brought by the fire, she expressed confidence that the theatre would be reborn, signifying its importance to the local community.

The fire incident will not affect any upcoming events, including those planned for Juneteenth, which will take place at the New Daisy Theater across the street. Catron is determined to ensure that the Historic Daisy Theatre not only returns to its former glory but also continues to serve as a vital part of Memphis’s cultural landscape.

In summary, the Historic Daisy Theatre encountered a significant setback with an accidental electrical fire, but with the quick response of firefighters and the resilience of its owner, restoration efforts are expected to move forward. As the theatre holds a vital historical and cultural significance to the community, its future remains hopeful amidst the challenges that lie ahead.