AI, love, and what truly makes us human – with subtitles from start to finish and fully accessible.
📅 Shows:
Thu, Aug 14 – 9:00 PM
Fri, Aug 15 – 9:00 PM
Sat, Aug 16 – 4:00 PM | 9:00 PM
📍 Palace Theatre, London ON
Don’t miss your chance to laugh, think, and maybe feel a little bit more human.
🎟 Grab your tickets here: https://palacetheatre.ca/2024-2025-shows
Theatre actors are amazing. To go on stage and do what they do takes a special person with an impressive skill set. This phenomenon was on full and wonderful display Wednesday night at Procunier Hall (Palace Theatre), at Fringe ’25!
The first show, written and performed by Jenn Weatherall, ‘No Lilies’, is a tight, visceral monologue. It is performed on a razor’s edge, definitely without a net! The writing and performance are exemplary. And while the second show, ‘everything I didn’t get to say (in a collection of petals)’, written and performed by Maria Colonescu, is as effective as ‘No Lilies’, it is in a different key entirely.
The pain and longing for connection are very strong. Vital theatre! A wonderful end to the evening was another script, a two-hander by Maria Colonescu, ‘The Companion.’ Ms Colonescu is joined on stage by Andre Furlong, and the fire and connection between the two characters is evident from the first moments. The tone is reminiscent of a Sam Shepard play. The tension is, at times, almost unbearable. But so effective dramatically!
Taken together, these shows are a must-see. They are real, and gritty, and deftly presented, with simple sets and props. It’s all about the characters!
Tickets for all London Fringe shows can be purchased at palacetheatre.ca/london-fringe
A resident of Dorchester, Ontario, Belinda J. Clements, owner and proprietor of Belinda J. Clements Photography, specializes in live music, festivals, and sports.
The Beat Magazine 2009 recently interviewed Belinda about her career. What follows is an edited Q&A.
Question & Answer Profile Belinda J. Clements Photography
Q What’s your background as a photographer?
I am self-taught and work part-time as a photographer. Making memories, capturing that moment in time forever. Creating something beautiful. These are just a few of the reasons I’m a photographer.
Q What inspired you to become a photographer?
It’s a passion I’ve had since I held my first 110 Kodak Instamatic camera when I was twelve years old. When I was fifteen, a house fire took all our family photos. I cherish pictures and the memories they evoke.
Q What types of photo shoots are your specialty?
I enjoy nature photography, but I primarily photograph events and do some family photos. My specialties include live music, festivals, and sports. I have also done some promotional shoots for local bands. In the past, I have photographed and written for several event-type newspapers supporting local happenings. I have had many opportunities to meet and photograph lots of talented headliners and local artists, but promoting local will always be important to me.
Q Could you identify some of the events you have photographed?
Recently, I photographed the Dorchester PetFest. I’m the festival’s photographer and this was the second year it’s been held, with plans for it to happen again next July. I’ve been photographing the two-day Brantford Music Festival, now named CallHome Music Festival, since it began in 2015. I’ve also photographed medieval fairs, baseball, rodeos, Special Olympics events, car shows, and car and motorcycle races. I’ve been hired to photograph several company conventions and mud runs.
Q Your Facebook page states that you have photographed many musicians and bands. Could you expand on that?
Over the years, some of the bands that I’ve photographed and had some interaction with at concerts are Honeymoon Suite, Our Lady Peace, Collective Soul, The Trews, Kim Mitchell, Walk Off The Earth, Junkhouse, and USS. I’ve also photographed Billy Talent, The Beaches, The Headstones, Monster Truck, and Glorious Sons.
I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to photograph and support many local musicians as well. I’ve snapped pics of Greg Williams, Mad Moxxis, Prism Tape Philosophy, Graham Bédard, Anne Moniz, The Marrieds, Brother Leeds, Kristen Renee, Aaron Allen, and Sarah Smith. My photos have been liked by many and have been shared on the artists’ pages too; It is always nice to get positive feedback. I would love to have more opportunities to support the music industry and especially local music through my lens.
Q Are there any other photo shoots that stand out in your career?
I’ve been honoured to do some other exciting shoots with my cameras, including an NHL Alumni Game, a CTV television production “Bake Sale Showdown” with host Reta Ismail, a few comedy shows including one with Corner Gas star Brent Butt, who I was lucky enough to chat with when the crew gathered with him at a nearby pub. I was also hired to photograph a band (that is no longer) at a well-known recording studio. I was invited to London, England, and spent a week photographing in Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios.
Q Do you have any future photo shoots you would like our readers to know about?
On August 23rd, I will be among the photographers at Good For The Soll, Ingersoll’s music Festival. For the second consecutive year, I will also be photographing the three-day music event East Park’s Fairway Fest in London, September 18-20.
Q Is there anything else The Beat Magazine 2009 readers should know about Belinda J. Clements Photography?
Photography is my passion. If you have an event or anything else you’d like me to photograph, I’d love to chat with you.
News about and samples of Belinda’s work can be viewed on her Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/belindajclementsphotography/?
To book a photo shoot, contact Belinda at anditsagoodthing@rogers.com
On this day in 1969, London’s Wonderland Gardens hosted the first day of a two-day Pop Festival. On the opening day bill, were Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Alice Cooper, The Funky Parliaments (of George Clinton fame), Terry and the Pyrates, and George Olliver & The Natural Gas (featuring Londoners Carl Watral, Trumpet, Fleugelhorn, and Vocals, Graham Lear, Percussion, and David Classic, Trombone and Vocals). The event preceded the much larger Woodstock Music Festival, which took place in New York State from August 15 to 18.
Were you there?
As Act one begins and before the stage lights up, the air thumps with Ray Charles’s “Hit the Road Jack”. The audience sings along;
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more
What you say?
Alice, (played by Bernadette Taylor Dolha) is laying flat out on the bed with Henry, (played by Bernadette’s real-life husband, Andrew Dolha), who is trying his best to massage Alice into relaxation. Alice has plans to bring her and Henry’s love life back to the boiling point again – Hot and Sexy! The unmistakable yellow covered dummies book “Sex for Dummies” is close by and open. She’s asking Henry if he’s aroused while she guides his touch to her back and shoulders.
He’s not!
Sexy Laundry is now on stage at Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia. A comedy about a married couple, it’s one that many in the audience will relate to, for better or for worse.
Alice has put a lot of effort into this weekend. She reserved a posh hotel, provided ambiance with fragranced air, sexy nighties and a will to reignite that spark in to a 25-year marriage. A marriage that produced three kids while busy with each one’s career. So far, her endeavours aren’t working out so well. Finally, yes finally, there’s a spark of interest from Henry, a subdued engineer. He takes her reading glasses, picks up the book and skims through her marked pages. There may have been a few snickers and giggles in the audience up until they read out loud that they should give their private parts a name. The audience livens up while watching the two coax one another to go ahead and follow the books suggestion. Henry wanted nothing to do with Alice’s suggestion of Frank. However, Henry’s interest does pique and with arms flailing and beating his chest, he yells out, that his name for his special part would be the almighty Caesar. The audience roars.
To keep Henry invested in her plans, she asks him about his fantasy after she describes her own which includes two Italian gay waiters. Henry questions, “why gay waiters?”. The audience giggles at her descriptive rendition. Her face contorts through the emotions as he describes his fantasy. It’s a description of a typical husband from the 50’s, it’s a perfect wife that waits on him and is always happy! He has great kids, a comfortable home, a good job and of most importance, he’s able to watch the news in peace. Henry obviously wants a no-fuss, easy life now. He’s got a bit of anxiety and just wants to chill. Alice, on the other hand, is feeling the need for desire and is fearful that she’s not attractive anymore, now that she’s in her fifties. She feels that she’s always competing against the nightly news for Henry’s attention.
It could be at this time when some of the couples in the audience are elbowing one another as they watch these feelings being portrayed on the stage.
In the second act, their crazy adventures continue with leather, leopard print and lace. The emotions between the two fly high and low as they hilariously battle out their indifferences. Finally, each one looks into their own mirrored reflection and they come to a very important conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sexy Laundry and most definitely see those same issues that affect us all at one time or another. Bernadette and Andrew Dohlar were magnificent after the intermission. They became stronger but more natural and drew their audience into their performance. There were side splitting comedic episodes between the two of them that were almost non stop. One was where Alice tried with all her might to release F-Bombs. Another was where Henry was pumping up his vibe and getting his groove on.
Michele Riml, a critically acclaimed playwright from Vancouver, British Columbia wrote Sexy Laundry after only 5 years of marriage. Her play became a hit and is in 17 languages playing in Canada, the US and Europe. I found that to be quite fascinating.
I could easily see this performance again; it comes highly recommended.
Sexy Laundry is playing at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia from August 5 to August 21 at 2pm, and on August 22nd, there is a showing at 7:30pm. You can order tickets online at thevvp.ca or call the Box Office at 1-800-717-7694 or 519-882- 1221.
Photo: Andrew Dolha as Henry and Bernadette Taylor Dolha as Alice in Sexy Laundry. The married couple play a married couple! Photo by Diane O’Dell.
Sexy Laundry
By Michele Riml
Performed by Bernadette Taylor Dolha and Andrew Dolha
Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia
August 5 to 22, 2025
Reviewed by Marilu Murphy
Note: This Review first appeared on the website Entertain This Thought, and it is reprinted with the permission of the reviewer. For more Reviews, visit https://www.entertainthisthought.com/
Note: This Review first appeared on the website Entertain This Thought, and it is reprinted with the permission of the reviewer. For more Reviews, visit https://www.entertainthisthought.com/
Life is full of unexpected challenges that often lead to personal growth in ways not envisioned previously. Throw in the expectations of people of different generations or socio-economic backgrounds, and change is inevitable. That’s the premise of Powers and Gloria, which has now opened on the outdoor Harvest Stage at the Blyth Festival
When Gloria, a young woman from the poorer side of town, comes to work for Edward Powers, the town’s largest employer and business owner, she’s impressed with his wealth and beautiful home. Never one to be intimidated, Gloria quickly establishes herself as someone Edward cannot manipulate. Throughout the year, they work together to restore Edward’s mobility after a stroke. In the process, the two build an unexpected friendship rooted in respect and genuine caring. Gloria learns that there’s more to life and what she’s capable of than what she’d envisioned. Edward learns to trust Gloria, appreciate her quick wit, and rely on her ability to help him recover. The quips and banter between the two are downright funny, allowing the relationship between the old man and the young woman to deepen.
Unfortunately, sparks fly and angry words erupt between Edward and his son, James. Father and son are at cross-purposes regarding how James should run his family’s business. Edward’s traditional values and ways of doing business clash with James’s idea of how things should be done. The love between Edward and James is evident, but learning to respect and understand the other is difficult.
Gloria’s blue-collar fiancé, Darryl, is hard-pressed to understand Gloria’s growing respect and caring for her employer, or her growing independence. When he wins the lottery, he’s sure that life will now be easy. He’s excited to get married, buy a house, and start a family. However, Gloria has begun to stretch the limits of what she envisions her life can be if she returns to school and pursues a future beyond a house and family.
Powers and Gloria is a funny, yet introspective look at the relationships between people faced with life-altering decisions and challenges. Each can learn valuable lessons from the other, if they’re willing to listen. I’d highly recommend this excellent portrayal of human frailty, resilience, and acceptance.
Beautifully written by playwright Keith Roulston and directed by Peter Hinton-Davis, with outstanding performances by Richard Comeau as Darryl, Randy Hughson as Edward Powers, Madeline Kennedy as Gloria, and James Dallas Smith as James Powers.
Powers and Gloria runs at the Harvest Stage, Blyth Festival Theatre until August 23rd. Tickets are available at 519-523-9300/1-877-862-5984 or go to www.blythfestival.com.
Photo: Randy Hughson as Edward Powers(left) and Madeline Kennedy as Gloria (right)
Powers and Gloria
By Keith Roulston
Directed by Peter Hinton-Davis
Performed by Richard Comeau, Randy Hughson, Madeline Kennedy, James Dallas Smith
Blyth Festival, Harvest Stage, 377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth, Ontario
July 30th to August 30th, 2025
Reviewed by Debbie McClure
Note: This Review first appeared on the website Entertain This Thought, and it is reprinted with the permission of the reviewer. For more Reviews, visit https://www.entertainthisthought.com/
🛟 TRIVIA NIGHT is back September 27!
Join us for a night of high seas trivia with London theatre’s favourite quiz master David Bogaert. Enjoy a quiz crafted with all the care and wit you have come to expect from Mr. Bogaert. There will be prizes, a cash bar, free snacks and friends!
You can gather a team of up to eight people; or you can come on your own or as a pair and we will match you up into a larger team.
🗓️Saturday September 27
⏰7:00 PM – 10:15 PM
🎟️Admission: $10
The Manor Park Memorial Hall
11 Briscoe Street West
Visit the AlvegoRoot Theatre website to register.
Going into The Kitchen Witches, at Port Stanley Festival Theatre, I deliberately avoided reading anything about it beforehand. With a title like that, I imagined something whimsical and maybe even a bit mystical – think a stage version of the movie Practical Magic, with bubbling cauldrons and a few well-placed spells. So, when I walked into the theatre and witnessed a bright, compact fully equipped kitchen that looked more like a TV studio than a witch’s lair, I was a little surprised. My initial expectations were quickly dashed – this was a cooking show, not a coven. So much for assumptions!
The audience is immediately placed in the middle of a live taping of a local cable-access cooking program hosted by Dolly Biddle, a fiery, apron-clad chef played with gusto by Christina Gordon. Dolly’s son Stephen (David Rowan) is ostensibly the producer, but his real job seems to be keeping his mother from going completely off-script. This is meant to be Dolly’s farewell episode, but it takes a sharp turn when her long-time nemesis, fellow cooking host Isobel Lomax (Monique Lund), crashes the set. The two women share a long and tangled history, and their rapid-fire insults and perfectly aimed barbs just happen to be captured on live TV and become an overnight sensation. With prompting from the station, a new series is born, staring the arch-rivals and aptly named The Kitchen Witches.
Director Liz Gilroy keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, and the staging makes clever use of the “show within a show” format. Set designer Emma Burnett nails the look of a modest TV studio – complete with a cluttered kitchen, the bright slightly harsh light you’d expect from daytime television and and “Applause” sigh which encourages audience participation. The live camera work handled by Bobbi (E. Webb), adds to the authenticity. One of my favorite scenes in the show was bringing a volunteer onstage to taste-test the rivals’ creations. This added to the evenings playful, immersive quality.
Despite these strong production elements, the show didn’t fully land for me. Much of the humour felt predictable, relying heavily on physical comedy and recycled jabs. The performances, while energetic, sometimes tipped into overacting, making certain exchanges feel forced rather than spontaneous. There were a couple of plot twists that hinted at more complex storytelling but these moments were left underdeveloped, which felt like missed opportunities to deepen the characters and give the comedy more bite.
However, it’s easy to see why The Kitchen Witches, winner of the 2005 Samuel French Best Canadian Play Award, has been a staple for community and regional theatres – it’s light, self-contained, and offers easy opportunities for audience interaction. Which is rare treat in the theatre world. For some, its zany energy and over-the-top characters are part of the fun. But for me, the lack of surprises in the script meant that the humour never quite built to a satisfying peak.
That said, if you enjoy lighthearted farce, kitchen-set chaos, and being pulled directly into action, you may well find The Kitchen Witches a pleasant night out. It’s not the magical romp I was expecting from the title, but it serves up enough sass, splash, and slapstick to keep many theatre-goers entertained – just don’t expect it to bring any new ingredients to the table.
The Kitchen Witches continues at Port Stanley Festival Theatre until August 23rd. Tickets are available by calling (519) 782-4353 or visit: www.pfst.ca
Photo: Monique Lund and Christina Gordon play Isobel Lomax and Dolly Biddle in The Kitchen Witches, at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre.
The Kitchen Witches
Written by Caroline Smith
Directed by Liz Gilroy
Set Design by Emma Burnett
Costume Design by Alex Amini
Stage Managed by Jory McLean
Performed by Christina Gordon, David Rowan, Monique Lund, E. Webb
August 6 to 23, 2025
Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Port Stanley
Reviewed by Kim Kaitell
Note: This Review first appeared on the website Entertain This Thought, and it is reprinted with the permission of the reviewer. For more Reviews, visit https://www.entertainthisthought.com/
The Beat Magazine 2025 