Weekend Roundup of Selected Arts Events in the London Area, November 14-16.

Compiled by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager, The Beat Magazine 2025

LIVE THEATRE

Original Kids Theatre Company presents The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition, November 13-16, at the Spriet Theatre.

Get your tickets to ‘The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition’ before it’s too late! Visit our website www.originalkids.ca or call the Box Office today. 519-679-8989

Box Office Hours
Tues-Fri 4:30pm-8:30pm
Sat-Sun 10:00am-8:30pm

The London Fringe Festival may be over for 2025, but the buzz still lives on, and for one more night, we’re bringing back some of the shows you couldn’t stop talking about!
On Friday, November 14, join us at the Palace Theatre’s David Long Stage for MAGIC IMPROV MONSTER; an encore celebration of our People’s Choice favourites!

The evening kicks off with jaw-dropping illusions in Many Rooms: The House of Magic by Andrew Olmstead and Leonardo Martins.

Then brace yourself for a whirlwind of laughter and unscripted brilliance with The Improvables in their fan-favourite Controlled Chaos.

We’ll close the night with an electrifying one-man tour de force starring Jared Brown in Daniel McIvor’s “Monster”, a powerhouse performance you won’t forget.

BOGO: Buy one ticket, get the second free!

Tickets: Just $25 (all fees included)

Proceeds are shared between the performers and the theatre

Palace Theatre – David Long Stage

Friday, November 14 | 7:00 PM

Get your tickets now at palacetheatre.ca

Dating Games features five short plays, each showcasing a comically terrible first date that goes off the rails. Written by Garth Wingfield, the show’s real focus lies not in the dates themselves, but in the emerging theatre talent directing the plays. This production serves as a groundbreaking training initiative, providing mentorship and performance opportunities for up-and-coming directors.

“Dating Games is a truly special production. It is more than just a show; it’s a project that combines mentorship, training, and performance, contributing to the entire theatrical community,” says Elizabeth Durand, Theatre Aezir’s Artistic Director.

If You Go:

What: Theatre Aezir presents Dating Games.

When: November 6th to November 16th

Where: First Baptist Church, 568 Richmond St., London, ON

Tickets: Discount codes are available for seniors, under-30s, and arts workers on Theatre Aezir’s ticketing page: https://events.humanitix.com/dating-games-bad-dates-good-theatre

Read Jo-Anne Bishop’s Review here: https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/11/08/londons-emerging-talent-shines-in-theatre-aezirs-production-of-dating-games/

Award-winning, world-renowned, and infamously cheeky, Ronnie Burkett is back at the Grand Theatre with his unmatched mischievous, rollicking irreverence. Burkett’s latest work, Wonderful Joe, unleashes his sharp, unrelenting wit on the cities we call home, the people we overlook, and the four-legged friends walking beside them. And he’s bringing Mother Nature, Santa Claus, Jesus, and the Tooth Fairy along for the ride. Wonderful Joe, created and performed by Ronnie Burkett, opens the Grand Theatre’s Auburn Stage for the 2025/26 Season. Already extended due to popular demand, the production will run from Tuesday, November 4, through Sunday, November 23.

Single tickets are $48, and Auburn Series Subscriptions offer a 25% discount ($71.44 for both Wonderful Joe and Mrs Krishnan’s Party). Tickets and subscriptions are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519.672.8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

To learn more about Wonderful Joe by Ronnie Burkett at the Grand Theatre, please visit grandtheatre.com/event/wonderful-joe. Follow the production and peek behind the scenes by following @thegrandlondon and #GrandJoe on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube, & TikTok.

Read J Bruce Parker’s Review here: https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/11/08/ronnie-burketts-wonderful-joe-is-topical-heartfelt-and-heart-wrenching/

ART EXHIBITS

The Forest City Gallery team has been hard at work installing the work of over 65 artists this week.

We can’t wait to see you at the Opening Reception of ‘Synthesis’, the FCG Members’ Show & Sale on Saturday, November 15th, from 7-9pm.

Visit https://www.forestcitygallery.com/

Lisa Johnson’s incredible solo exhibition, Full Circle, will be on display until November 29th at Westland Gallery

http://www.westlandgallery.ca

Read Beth Stewart’s Review here: https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/11/09/lisa-johnson-takes-your-breath-away-at-westland-gallery/

The 2025 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection is on display at London’s Strand Fine Arts Services until November 15th.

Strand Fine Art Services is located at 1161 Florence Street, Unit #4. For more information, visit www.strandfineartservices.com.

Read Beth Stewart’s Review here: https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/11/07/the-view-from-up-there-long-boots-and-jumping-high/

The new arrivals keep coming as Jeff Heene just dropped off these three at the Benz Gallery.

We had Nicole @lemonadeframestudio work her magic, and these pieces are now available in the gallery and online.

The gallery is now all rehung with new work, so swing by this week to take it all in.

https://www.thebenzgallery.com/jeff-heene

According to Edgar Allen Poe, what’s scarier than a raven? “Raven on Scot Pine”, coloured pencil on Museum board, is one of Beth Stewart’s submissions for our spooky art challenge at the Lambeth Art Association. Beth’s other submission, “We Three,” is coloured pencil on paper. Why is it scary? Beth explains that snapdragon blossoms, when dried, look like tiny human skulls. Who knew?

https://www.facebook.com/lambethartassociation

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

WHAT: LONDON SYMPHONIA CONCERT
Payadora – The Soul of Tango
London Symphonia, Scott Good, conductor, Payadora Tango Ensemble.

WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30pm

WHERE: Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington St, London, ON.

SUBSCRIPTIONS & TICKETS: Ticket packages start at $155 for a 3-concert General Admission subscription and $212 for Reserved Seating, plus fees and HST. 5-concert packages are also available. Individual adult tickets range from $55 General Admission to $75 Reserved Seating, plus fees and HST. Family Flex packs and free student tickets are also available. In-person subscriptions and tickets can be purchased online now at londonsymphonia.ca.

Read Daina Janitis’s Preview here: https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/11/13/tango-with-london-symphonia-and-the-payadora-tango-ensemble-this-saturday-november-15th/

Sunday jazz vibes are back at Toboggan!

Join us for another cozy afternoon in our Jazz Series featuring Rick Kish & Friends — live from 2–4 PM on Sunday, November 16th.

Enjoy smooth tunes, local craft beer, and good company with a $5 live music fee in partnership with the London Jazz Association.

Tobboggan Brewing Co. 585 Richmond Street

2–4 PM

At The Aeolian:

ONE NIGHT ONLY — The Ultimate Cabaret Variety Show! A Cabaret for WENDAKE …a campy affair!! Prepare for an unforgettable evening of glitz, glamour, and jaw-dropping talent as we bring together the boldest and brightest stars of the stage in a dazzling cabaret extravaganza!� Sultry Singers� Live Musicians� Fierce Drag Royalty & newcomers…� Seductive Burlesque Bombshell� Electrifying Dancers� Surprise Acts & More! From classic jazz to contemporary pop, cheeky comedy to high drama, this is cabaret like you’ve never seen it before. Whether you’re here for the sparkle, the sass, or the sheer spectacle – we’ve got something for everyone.� Dress to impress. Bring your wild side. Leave your inhibitions at the door. �� Aeolian Hall� Friday, November 14th � , 6:30: Doors Open� 7:30: Showtime� Tickets: [aeolianhall.ca or 519-672-7950]� Limited Seating – Reserve Now! Dare to be dazzled. Come for the show, stay for the magic.

The colourful history of Newfoundland’s fishers and loggers, sealers and whalers is told with story, song and incredible visuals in this engaging musical review by Shipyard Kitchen Party, creators of “Tom Thomson’s Wake” and “100 Years from Now”. From the remote outports to the vibrant city of St. John’s, from the fishing stages to the kitchens and front parlours, you’ll hear the timeless sea-shanties, triumphant ballads and the hilarious foot-stomping sing-a-longs that make Canada’s 10th province its most legendary. You may not be a Newfoundlander when you take your seat, but you’ll feel like one when you leave! Saturday at The Aeolian. https://www.facebook.com/events/1170578908213804

Saturday, November 15th.
It’s time to celebrate the awesomeness that is 80’s Hair Bands!!
80’s GONE WILD
9pm start. Tickets $20 at Eventbrite.ca & The Bar.