Soon-to-be ninety-eight-year-old Audrey Cooper is the proud proprietor and curator of London’s downtown art gallery, ArtWithPanache. The Beat Magazine 2009 recently spoke with Audrey about her gallery and what the future holds for her.
What follows is an edited Q&A Profile.
When did you open your gallery? What motivated you to open it?
I opened ArtWithPanache in September 2013. I was given the opportunity to convert 2,000 square feet of retail space in the Talbot Centre in downtown London into an art gallery. So, I said, “Why not? I am only 86 and it sounds like fun.” So, I signed up and never looked back.
The real motivation behind it though was when I came to London and started to paint, there were no galleries here willing to take the risk of showing emerging artists. I gathered all the artists I knew, hung their art and away we went. Over time ArtWithPanache became a sort of hangout for artists who would drift in for artist talk and companionship and that continues until this day. We are the only gallery that encourages artists to spend time in the gallery interacting with clients. I do not know why; I love it.
What is the significance of the gallery’s name?
I am something of a word junkie and ‘panache’ to me conjures up pictures of cool fashions, 1920s art, and the fantastic background decor in black and white Fred and Ginger movies.
Have you always been at your present location?
Yes, the gallery has always been in the Talbot Centre, but because of renovations to the first floor we are in a different space on the first floor.
What does “London Gallery Run by Local Artists” mean?
AtWithPanache operates primarily as an ‘Artists Collective.’ Artists who become members of ‘Panache Artists’ are not charged for displaying their work in the gallery; however, they must exhibit at least two paintings at all times and are eligible for one complimentary solo exhibition annually. The gallery commission on sales is set at 5% lower than the standard ArtWithPanache rate. Participating artists are required to volunteer in the gallery for a minimum of two days per month. Gallery staff are always available to assist customers with purchasing original art and to engage in discussions about art with visitors or fellow artists.
Do you have scheduled exhibitions, or is the artwork displayed on consignment for set periods? Or both?
Panache Artists regularly exhibit in the gallery, and non-gallery artists are welcome to display their work for two- or three-week periods on commission. Art groups and clubs also participate. Currently, Portside Gallery from Port Stanley is hosting a show with us.
September is a particularly eventful month for you, with the opening of a show featuring an Oh Canada theme. The gallery is celebrating its 12th anniversary, and you will mark your 98th birthday. May I ask if you have any special plans for the month?
September will be hopping. The Oh Canada show opens on Saturday, September 20, from 12:00 until 4:00 with our artists’ heartfelt depictions of their love for Canada and what it means for them to live here. Artists will be on hand to mingle with visitors; refreshments will be served and lots of other stuff going on.
September 30 is our day to celebrate our 12th Anniversary as ArtWithPanache and my 98th Birthday with an Open House in the gallery. Refreshments and lots of fun and surprises, Join us please.
I see you were named to. the City of London Mayor’s 2024 New Year’s Honorary List under Arts. Tell me how it felt to receive that recognition.
Ha! I was completely gobsmacked and still believe there was a mistake made at City Hall.
Is there anything else you think The Beat Magazine 2009 readers should know about Audrey Cooper and ArtWithPanache?
Since I have packed in 98 years there is lots more to tell but you will need to drop into ArtWithPanache to find out.
the Ryan brothers & the wobbly pops at the wortley roadhouse.
wortley electronic music festival, august 23.
Wortley Electronic Music Festival Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 Free – BYOB (plz no glass) – 2pm-10pm In the front lawn of 64 Elmwood Ave E The World is Invited
FREE London Symphonia Lunchtime Live Music Series at Market Lane begins August 20.
Do you know where to find London Symphonia musicians performing for free in the community?
Starting this week, our musicians will be performing live for the Wednesday Lunchtime Live Music series at Market Lane, presented by the London Arts Council and Dundas Place, and supported by the Paul Seed Fund through the London Community Foundation. These performances will run weekly on Wednesdays starting August 20 until September 10 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at Market Lane (137 Dundas St), weather dependent.
So bring your lunch or grab some delicious food and support local businesses as you sit back and enjoy a curated musical landscape.
First up on our menu is a woodwind quintet composed of Liesel Deppe, flute, Jennifer Short, oboe, Graham Lord, clarinet, Julie Shier, bassoon, and Ron George, horn.
Mark your calendars: Woodwind Quintet: August 20 String Quartet: August 27 Brass Quintet: September 10 String Quintet: September 17 Brass Quintet: September 24
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
the last call, live at the Eastside Bar & Grill, august 23.
If you are looking to party, if you are looking to dance, come and join The Last Call this Saturday at Eastside Bar & Grill, 750 Hamilton Rd, London, ON
museum london presents As the Crow Flies: Garden Tours with Artist Ron Benner, aug. 23.
Join renowned artist, writer, and gardener Ron Benner for a special garden tour of As the Crow Flies, his thought-provoking and site-specific outdoor installation at Museum London. This immersive garden has been a part of the Museum’s landscape for two decades, showcasing Benner’s unique blend of art, horticulture, and environmental stewardship.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River), this installation features a serene, former elliptical reflecting pool, now water garden, surrounded by a diverse collection of native plants that have flourished through Benner’s careful cultivation. The plants in As the Crow Flies are significant, growing along the 81.14th meridian, a symbolic path that links London, Ontario, to distant places such as Cape Sable, Florida, and the Bay of Pigs, Cuba. The garden thrives as an ecosystem, supporting waterfowl, amphibians, insects, and fish, making it an environmental sanctuary as well as a powerful artistic statement.
This special event celebrates 20 years of As the Crow Flies, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the artist, witness the evolution of the garden, and reflect on its themes of history, food culture, and environmental awareness. Don’t miss this chance to experience the installation in a new light and commemorate its two-decade legacy with Ron Benner. Special thanks to Moore Watergardens, located in Port Stanley and established in 1932.
The Aeolian Tunes@Noon concert Series: fiker, august 19.
Join us on August 19th as we welcome Fiker to the Southen Lounge.
Fiker is a singer/songwriter (and musician) who has been playing music and writing songs since the age of 13. Over the past 4-5 years, they have started performing their own music live. Fiker loves to sing, play, and listen to all genres of music, and they embrace a fluid, exploratory approach to sound that reflects their wide-ranging musical tastes. They feel genreless, which is freeing, as they’ve always desired the space to explore music without being boxed in. Their recent influences are rooted in R&B, jazz, soul, and neo-soul, though they are still discovering how those sounds will shape the songs they are currently writing. Fiker’s music is available on streaming platforms under the name “Fiker,” with their song “heavyhand” now released. They have been influenced by artists such as Hayley Williams, Erykah Badu, Jazmine Sullivan, Mary Mary, Alanis Morissette, Pinegrove, and many more. With every new song, fiker continues to lean into curiosity, honesty, and the joy of musical exploration.
TUNES@NOON at The Aeolian is supported with thanks to The Paul Seed Fund through London Community Foundations and is a London UNESCO City of Music project.
palace theatre wardrobe sale, august 23
Join us on Saturday, August 23 from 10 AM – 1 PM at the Palace Annex (523 South Street) for our legendary Wardrobe Sale.
Hundreds of costumes, accessories and treasures from our stage to your closet – it’s a vintage lover’s dream! Perfect for collectors, theatre buffs, or anyone looking to add some flair to their wardrobe.
All proceeds support PTAC programming and much-needed repairs – shop and support local arts.
double feature at the Richmond Tavern, August 23.
AT THE PIERSIDE PUB THIS WEEK.
Live music Line-up this week at The Pierside Pub: Wed Aug 20 – Rob Cromwell 6PM Thurs Aug 21 – Karaoke with Kevin Edwards 7Pm Fri Aug 22 – Ed Greene (Elton John Tribute) 8PM Sat Aug 23 – Full Throttle with Disgustine 8PM. Sunday Funday, Aug 24 – Big Shinny Toons 4:30PM Come for the music, stay for the vibes.
Where’s traci Kennedy this saturday?
This Saturday is going to be a double-the-fun kind of day!
First stop — I’ll be performing at the Kiwanis Ingersoll Harvest Market Car Show in the morning from 9am – 11am (nothing like music and classic cars to kick things off!
Then I’m heading over to Straffordville’s Annual Watermelon Festival for a 3pm show — because what’s better than live music and sweet summer watermelon? (See full schedule attached)
Hope to see some familiar faces at one (or both!) of these amazing community events. Let’s make it a Saturday to remember!
good for the soll ingersoll’s music festival
GOODFORTHESOLL – INGERSOLL’S MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025
Presented by The Ingersoll Lions Club and Studio73 Digital Media
Memorial Park, 25 Canterbury St, Ingersoll, ON N5C
One Epic Night – Gates Open at 5:00 PM
Public Event – All Are Welcome!
Get ready, Ingersoll – the ultimate summer celebration is BACK! Join us at GoodForTheSoll 2025, proudly presented by Good For The Soll Ingersoll’s Music Festival,
This all-ages outdoor event will feature a stacked musical lineup, delicious eats, cold brews, and that unbeatable small-town summer festival energy. You do NOT want to miss this!
Two days of LIVE ACTION RODEO and GREAT MUSIC featuring The Mudmen, Neon Rain and many more ! And don’t forget the Friday Night Rodeo Party in the Historical Canadian Country Opry Hall featuring Shelly Rastin & Trailer Trash — Tickets at the Door $20. See all the details at: https://www.purplehillcountrymusichall.ca/
forked river brewing company presents leanne mayer, Friday, august 22.
Leanne Mayer at The Forked River Brewing Company, Friday, August 22. 45 Pacific Court, Unit 4, London Ontario
springbank gardens concert series, august 24.
Sunday, August 24, we welcome Oliver Whithead & Jonathon De Souza to the bandshell! Get ready for a swinging good time with these legendary musicians! See you at 2pm!
Sunday Jazz at Market Lane, August 24: Hilary welch & barry usher
Join us for The Music of Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley – a stunning full-album tribute to the iconic 1962 release that climbed to No. 30 on the Billboard Top LPs chart.
Hilary Welch: a vocalist whose sound evokes the spirit of Sarah Vaughan and powerhouse 60’s soul. With roots at the University of Toronto and inspiration from legends like Oscar Peterson and the New York Voices, Hilary has become a standout voice in London’s jazz scene.
Barry Usher: a versatile woodwind performer and educator who has shared the stage with icons from Rob McConnell to The Temptations. Barry’s artistry and dedication to jazz education make him a cornerstone of London’s music community.
Featuring: Barry Usher- Saxophone/Arranger Nevin Campbell- Piano @nevincampbell Ron Walker-Trumpet @ronwalker64 Sandy MacKay-Percussion Kim Ladd-Bass Hilary Welch- Vocals @hilaryonair
Market Lane, Downtown London
Sunday, August 25 | 2–4pm
Free admission!
beehive: the ’60s musical at the Huron Country Playhouse.
Big hair, and even bigger hits!
Beehive – The ‘60s Musical is now playing at the Huron Country Playhouse through August 31.
Taking audiences on a nostalgic journey through timeless hits like “My Boyfriend’s Back” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” From Leslie Gore to Janis Joplin, you won’t want to miss this toe-tapping production that will have you dancing in the aisles.
great lakes blues society membership drive event, august 24.
Come on out to our Membership Drive and help us keep The Blues Alive!
This is a great chance to meet some fellow Blues fans and learn how we support Blues music in our community.
By becoming a member of our society, you’re not just supporting the Blues… you’re joining a community that knows how to have fun!
Right now is a great time to join or to renew your GLBS membership because your name will automatically be put in a draw for a custom-built GLBS Cigar Box Guitar!
Let’s keep the good times rollin’ — together!
See you there!
THREE LIVE BANDS Multiple Door Prizes + a Grand Prize! Food Truck Deliciousness Free Admission & Free Parking too!
London Brewing Co-operative 521 Burbrook Place – London ON,
From Sea to Sky: Connected by a Thread at Westland Gallery
From Sea to Sky: Connected by a Thread is only on display at Westland Gallery until Saturday, August 30. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out our textiles exhibition featuring eight talented Canadian artists.
Pictured: Lorraine Roy, “Heart of Light”, 39 x 39″, textile, $1700
grosvenor lodge presents eighteen strings, august 24.
the kitchen witches at the port stanley festival theatre.
Beat the heat and stir up some laughs with The Kitchen Witches by Caroline Smith, starring Monique Lund, Christina Gordon, and David Rowan.
Dolly and Isobel’s long-running feud is boiling over on live streaming — and the food (and insults) are flying. Expect chaos, comedy, and a sprinkle of audience participation in this deliciously funny performance!
Reserve your tickets now — the kitchen’s cooking, but not for long! www.psft.ca 519-782-4353
Directed by Liz Gilroy. Set design by Emma Burnett. Lighting design by Karen Crichton. Video design by Joe Recchia.
Show sponsored by MYFM
“The Kitchen Witches” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
shrek the musical at the huron country playhouse
The greatest fairy tale never told comes to life tonight as Shrek The Musical opens at Huron Country Playhouse!
In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess. A wisecracking donkey, villain with a short temper, cookie with an attitude, and a band of quirky misfits, set off on a journey full of laughs, friendship and unexpected romance.
The City of Music Concerts is kickin’ it country style on August 21, presented by Pure Country 93!
Have a rootin’ tootin’ good time with
Nate Haller is headlining the night, and openers
Maddy McKenzie &
Olivia Mae Graham
Good Foundation Theatre (Market Lane)
7-10 PM
FREE
All ages
The City of Music Concerts take place from June 12 to August 28 each Thursday in Market Lane, featuring incredible free live music from local, national, and international artists. Each week is presented by a different local partner, bringing a unique vibe.
The London Taco Fest is making a sizzling return to Covent Garden Market — and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever. Guests can explore a taco lover’s paradise with vendors dishing out everything from traditional street-style tacos to wildly inventive flavour fusions.
The vibrant spirit of Mexico will fill the air with high-energy lucha libre wrestling, friendly taco competitions, and refreshing cervezas to keep the good times flowing. Whether it’s the irresistible aroma of sizzling meats, the lively beats, or the snap of a wrestling match mid-air, there’s something to spice up everyone’s day.
This isn’t just a festival — it’s a full-on fiesta!
Covent Garden Market, Rotary Square 130 King Street (corner of King and Talbot) London, Ontario N6A 1C5
Friday, August 22 – 4 PM – 12 AM
Saturday, August 23 – 4 PM – 12 AM
Sunday, August 24th – 12 PM – 9 PM
middle eastern summer festival
This August, downtown London will transform into a vibrant celebration of Middle Eastern culture at the Middle Eastern Summer Festival, taking place August 23 & 24 at Dundas Place. The event is free and open to the public, offering a rich blend of tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
The festival aims to highlight the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern cultures through a vibrant mix of experiences — including live music, traditional dance, authentic cuisine, artisan crafts, and more. Attendees can explore a bustling vendor market featuring flavorful regional dishes, handmade goods, and cultural exhibitions that offer insight into the traditions and craftsmanship of the region.
Headlining the stage are two major musical artists, Milad and Ali, bringing high-energy performances that blend modern and traditional Middle Eastern sounds. A featured dance group will also perform, adding dynamic movement and cultural storytelling to the weekend’s lineup.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, or the culture, the Middle Eastern Summer Festival is a celebration of heritage and togetherness — right in the heart of the city.
Join them at Dundas Place for a weekend of cultural discovery and celebration.
Dundas Place 99 Dundas St London, ON, N6A 6K1
12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
This list will be updated as the week goes on. To get your event listed, contact Richard Young richardyoung@thebeatmagazine 2009.ca
‘The Turing Test’, part of Fringe ’25, has its final performance tonight (Saturday, August 16) at 9:00 p.m. This wonderful show features Yuriy Popov and Yana Menov, and is stage-managed by Lisa Cardinal. It explores the moral, ethical, and ultimately personal, impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our world. The overall design is very much in step with the AI theme. But ultimately it’s the cast that brings the play to life. Do your best to catch this show before it ends tonight!
Canadian jazz vocalist and pianist Laila Biali opened her Canadian Songbook wide at London’s Aeolian Hall on Thursday night, much to the delight of an appreciative audience of jazz enthusiasts.
Biali was headlining the first night of Aeolian’s four-day Jazz & Musical Arts Festival, August 14 to 17.
With a special nod to the music of Joni Mitchell, the 2018 Juno Award winner entertained the audience with selections ranging from Leonard Cohen, Sarah McLachlan, Ron Sexsmith, K.D. Lang and Neil Young. But these were not mere covers. They were unique arrangements that permitted Biali and her bandmates to show their musical chops. The four musicians worked together like a well-oiled machine, bringing the evening’s performance to soaring heights.
Dressed exquisitely in a black, white, and grey outfit, Biali charmed the crowd with her infectious smile and engaging in-between songs banter, sharing stories about the various artists she has played with and in front of. Such as the time she was performing a Ron Sexsmith song in Stratford with the composer sitting in the audience.
The band ended its seventy-five-minute set with Neil Young’s Heart of Gold, followed by a well-deserved standing ovation and encore.
The festival continues on Friday night with Sammy Jackson with special guest Nicole Tan, and Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats on Saturday, August 16. A series of free concerts featuring Gina Farrugia & Peter Karle, Brian Gloyd & Friends, DNS Trio, and the Laurraine Sigouin Trio takes place on Saturday in the hall’s Southen Lounge.
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.
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.
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 websiteEntertain This Thought, and it is reprinted with the permission of the reviewer. For more Reviews, visit https://www.entertainthisthought.com/
Memorial Park, 25 Canterbury St, Ingersoll, ON N5C
One Epic Night – Gates Open at 5:00 PM
Public Event – All Are Welcome!
SCHEDULE
Kick-Off: 6:15 PM
MISS CONDUCT — 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
ONEWAY STREETS — 7:20 PM – 8:00 PM
SASS JORDAN (Headliner) — 9:45 PM – 11:00 PM
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