London’s Emerging Talent Shines in Theatre Aezir’s Production of Dating Games

Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop

(Photo Credit: Helen Wrack-Adams)

Theatre Aezir’s latest production, Dating Games by Garth Wingfield, offers a sharp and entertaining look at the unpredictable world of dating and modern relationships. Produced by Elizabeth Durand and directed by five emerging talents, this vibrant and polished staging proves that collaboration and fresh perspective can deliver an invigorating night of theatre.

Running a brisk seventy-five minutes, the show is a dynamic blend of styles and tones that somehow interweave with ease. Each vignette stands on its own while contributing to a cohesive whole, a testament to the directors’ shared vision and the power of creative synergy.

Under the collective guidance of its five directors and their mentors, the production maintains a remarkable sense of unity. The vignettes shift from playful to poignant, all anchored by Wingfield’s clever, relatable writing. The minimalist set design serves the piece beautifully, enabling fluid transitions and keeping the spotlight firmly where it belongs – on the script and stellar performances.

(Photo Credit: Helen Wrack-Adams.)

And what performances they are.

James Callaghan, Chiedza Gondoza, Haley Gordon, Aidan Robertson, Billie Gould, Danika Goss, Matthew Lazaris-Brunner, Ryan Memarzadeh, and Mike Wisniowski form a stellar ensemble. Each actor brings charisma, honesty, and razor-sharp comedic timing to the stage. While the entire cast impresses, a few moments shine especially bright for their precision and emotional nuance.

One such standout is “Mary Just Broke Up With This Guy,” featuring top-notch performances from Haley Gordon and Aidan Robertson. Robertson, in particular, delivers a variety of characters with such wit and timing that you’ll wish this ‘playlet’ ran just a little longer.

Witty, tightly executed, and full of heart, Dating Games highlights Theatre Aezir’s flair for fresh, thoughtful programming and affirms the promise of London’s next generation of theatre-makers. It’s a smart, engaging production that reminds us, kind of like love itself, that live performance is always worth the risk.

(Photo Credit: Helen Wrack-Adams)

If You Go:

What: Dating Games presented by Theatre Aezir
Where: First Baptist Church, 568 Richmond St, London, Ontario
When: November 6-16th, 2025, Evenings at 8:00pm • Matinees at 4:00pm
Tickets: $30, available Dating Games – Bad dates. Good theatre.