LONDON FRINGE PERFORMER HIGHLIGHTS: MARIA COLONESCU & JENN WEATHERALL

by Richard Young

PERFORMER HIGHLIGHT: MARIA COLONESCU

Maria is an internationally produced, award-winning playwright, director, actor, and everything in between. She holds an MFA in Advanced Theatre Practice from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London). Her diverse practice includes training in Butoh and somatic performance and leans into immersive, non-traditional, site-responsive theatre that puts the audience in a position to influence the experience, highlighting personal and social accountability and community building. Since moving to the Region of Waterloo in 2022, Maria has curated, produced, and directed a radio-drama series for Kitchener’s Midtown Radio (2023); co-wrote and directed an immersive, participatory, art-heist theatrical experience for the KW Art Gallery’s annual fundraiser (2024); co-founded the Treading Theatre Festival in Kitchener (2025); and premiered 9 original plays.

Maria directs and performs in her original play, The Companion. She also performs in her play, Everything I Didn’t Get to Say (In a Collection of Petals).

PERFORMER HIGHLIGHT: JENN WEATHERALL.

Jenn is an actor, playwright, artist, muralist and mother. She spent her twenties attending George Brown Theatre School and running away to NYC. In her thirties she made two beautiful babies. And in her forties she recovered from ‘adulting’ and got back to who she is at her core…an artist.

Jenn’s plays have been performed in many festivals including Darkcrop, HamilTen, She Speaks, and Unhinged. This is Jenn’s second experience within a Fringe Festival. Last year No Lilies was performed in the Guelph Fringe and received the award for outstanding performer. She recently participated in a playwrighting workshop with Daniel McIvor and is working on a piece to be performed in the Unhinged Festival of Disturbing Theatre in Waterloo in October.

She wrote No Lilies by the side of the river in St. Jacobs overnight two years ago (with many skunks lingering close by) and is excited to step back into that space again in London.

To purchase tickets to Maria and Jenn’s shows, and get more information about the London Fringe, visit www.palacetheatre.ca/london-fringe

Wardrobe Sale at the Palace Theatre

by Richard Young

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!

📅 When: Saturday, August 23 | 10 am – 1 pm
📍 Where: Palace Annex – 523 South Street

Don’t miss your chance to snag a piece of theatre history!

Auditions Notice Elgin theatre Guild

by Richard Young

Mark your calendars! Auditions are coming soon!

Miracle on 34th Street – The Play
Adapted by Mountain Community Theatre from the novel by Valentine Davies
Directed by Mary Anne Ciuciura
Show dates: December 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14
Rehearsals start Sept 28th – Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday (a couple of Monday, Wednesday & Friday in Oct)
First read through – Tuesday Sept 23rd

Please note: The role of Kris Kringle has been cast
**Open Audition – no scheduling a time required just come out to join
**Adults – Cold read from script
**Children – please have a nursery rhyme or piece of a favourite story memorized

Sunday, Sept 7th 2 – 4 pm: Primary Roles

  • Doris Walker – Personnel manager at Macys (ages 30-45)
  • Fred Gayley – A lawyer, neighbour and friend to Doris and Susan (ages 30-45)
  • Susan Walker – Doris’ daughter (age 7-10)

Sunday, Sept 7th 4 – 6 pm: Combined roles

  • Shellhammer (Doris’ asst.) & Judge Harper
  • Drunken Santa & Halloran (judge’s political mgr.) & Parent
  • Bloomingdale (owner of Bloomingdales) & Duncan (zoo keeper) & Al (postal worker)
  • Macy (owner of Macy’s) & Lou (postal worker) & Pedestrian
  • Sawyer (Macy’s guidance counselor) & Dr. Pierce
  • Findley (Bailiff) & Pedestrian & Parent
  • Bag Lady & Pedestrian & Parent
  • Mara (prosecuting attorney) & Rich Lady & Pedestrian

Character combinations are subject to change

Tuesday, Sept 9th – Children’s Auditions 6:30 – 7:15 pm: 6 – 8 years
5 children – one or two lines each
Dutch Girl, Sharon, Megan, Johnny, Mara’s child

Tuesday, Sept 9th – Children’s Auditions 7:15 – 8 pm: 11 – 13 years
5 elves – all minor speaking roles, set changes between scenes

​Choir (ages 6-13)– sing during intermission (Elf practice) and The Elf Theatre in Act 2

London Fringe Shows and Performers Highlights – Jenn Weatherall & Maria Colonescu

by Richard Young

Best friends, Jenn Weatherall and Maria Colonescu, are presenting a double bill – No Lilies & Everything I Didn’t Get to Say (In a Collection of Petals), while Maria is performing one of her own, The Companion, at this year’s London Fringe.

“They are haunting, emotional pieces that explore life and death, strength and fear, words never said, loss and pain,” says Jenn. “Our shows are the only all women productions in the festival, and we are the only two female playwrights in the festival. Maria is the only female director.”

Show Highlight: The Companion at Procunier Hall

We should all be so lucky to have that one, constant companion, there for us in our most difficult moments – patient, honest, kind. Or should we? Even the things we thought we knew could change in an instant. The Companion is an intense, demanding, cerebral two-hander that will have you confront life’s big moments: terrifying and hilarious, gentle and cruel. You will be captivated by two superbly challenging performances from Maria Colonescu and Andre Furlong and leave the theatre thinking about what it all means.

Show Highlight: Everything I Didn’t Get to Say (In a Collection of Petals) at Procunier Hall

Sometimes, words fail. Sometimes, you don’t get to say the words at all. Sometimes, words are not necessary to begin with. Everything I Didn’t Get to Say (In a Collection of Petals) is a colourful journey into the past, revisiting moments that went wrong, moments that went just as they should have, and moments that only happened in an imagined alternate reality – all through the beautiful and fragrant lens of flowers and their world of meaning. A fever-dream of story-telling, poetry, and botany, all packed into 20 minutes!

Show Highlight: No Lilies – at Procunier Hall

Preparing for any big life event can be terrifying. Perhaps if we were free to strip away all the pressures and expectations put upon us by those around us, society, even ourselves…maybe then we could experience life with a purity so many of us search for. No Lilies is an exploration of just that; of finding the strength to reject everyone else’s wants and putting yourself first to encounter your life with complete transparency and truth.

This is a piece that was written as part of Flush Ink Productions’ annual “Write or Flight” program. It was performed both in Flush Ink Productions’ Unhinged Festival of Disturbing Theatre, and the Guelph Fringe Festival in which it was awarded Outstanding Performance.

To purchase tickets and get more information about the London Fringe, visit www.palacetheatre.ca/london-fringe

Doors Open London 2025

by Richard Young

🎉 Get ready to step into the heart of London like never before! From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, Doors Open London invites you to explore 40+ incredible sites across the city — all for FREE! 🏛️✨There’s something for everyone to discover.

🗓️ Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21, 2025
📍 Various locations across London
🔗 Full site list & details: londonheritage.ca/doorsopenlondon

DoorsOpen2025 #ExploreLondon #HeritageMatters #FreeEvent #LondonOntario #CulturalHeritage

New Exhibit at the Westland Gallery

by Richard Young

From Sea to Sky; Connected by a Thread, our textile-based exhibition, opens tomorrow at Westland Gallery!

We are thrilled to have new works by Lorraine Roy, Julia Ismambetova, Haley Fields, Carmella Karijo Rother, Mita Giacomini, Holly Friesen, Robin Wiltse, and Elaine Ball, on display from Tuesday August 5th to 30th!

Join us at the Opening Reception on Saturday August 9th from 1pm to 3pm! All are welcome, no RSVP required.

Pictured:
Lorraine Roy, “Heart of Light”, 39 x 39″, textile, $1700

MTP Getting Involved In Community Theatre (without Getting On-Stage) Workshop

by Richard Young

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY THEATRE WITHOUT BEING ON-STAGE

Tue, Aug 5 | 7:00PM

HOSTED BY: Steve Allen, Lisa Cardinal & Jensen Caughlin

Are you theatre-curious.. but would prefer to shine the spotlight on others rather than being in it yourself?

Learn about non-acting roles including what it’s like to be on a community theatre board and to contribute to various design aspects like set design, costumes, set construction, lighting, sound, props, hair and makeup and how they bring a vision together for a cohesive production.

🔗www.mtplondon.ca

London Fringe Performer Showcase

by Richard Young

🌟 Get Hyped for Fringe! 🌟

Join us Monday, August 11 in Procunier Hall for an evening of Fringe fun, featuring a sneak-peek and an interactive Q&A with this year’s artists! 🎭✨

Get up-close and personal with Fringe creators as they share behind-the-scenes stories, creative insights and answer YOUR questions. Maybe even a sneaky performance or two…

🗓️ Monday, August 11
📍 Procunier Hall, Palace Theatre
⏰ 7:00 PM

👉 FREE ADMISSION! Bring your curiosity and Fringe spirit!

Fringe Festival runs from August 12-16 and tickets are available at palacetheatre.ca/london-fringe. Proceeds from sales go directly to the artists.

FringeFestival #LdnFringe #PalaceTheatre #MeetTheArtists #SupportLocalArts #Fringe2025

London Pro Musica Choir Meet Ian Davies

by Richard Young

MEET LONDON PRO MUSICA CHOIR – Ian Davies, bass.
Ian is currently the Past President of London Pro Musica and sings bass with the choir. He has more than 50 years’ experience in music and entertainment as a concert presenter, booking agent, non-profit arts manager, radio broadcaster & programmer, freelance journalist, editor, graphic designer, photographer, and musician. He founded IDEA – Ian Davies Entertainment Agency in 1999 and under that banner worked as an artist manager, agent, and concert promoter (Acoustic Muse concert series) until he retired in 2021.

Ian was inducted into the London Music Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement at the Forest City London Music Awards on June 16, 2024 and in April 2025 he was inducted into the Order of Folk by the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Ian was a founding member of Radio Western (1971), worked as music director, announcer & producer for CFPL-FM for 10 years, and was a radio instructor at Fanshawe College for 3 years, before moving to Windsor to become program director of CJOM-FM in 1981 where he worked until 1991. He was also Director of Development for Orchestra London from 1993 to 1999.

In 2014, Ian founded the Ken Palmer High School Music Bursary which awards two $1000 scholarships annually to graduating high school music students (London & area) who are going on to post-secondary music education in Ontario. Additionally, Ian sings bass in the Canadian Celtic Choir (1997-present) where he is also Concert & Promotions chair. He is the volunteer artistic director for the Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club (since 1994). He was Programming & Creative Coordinator for Sunfest for many years and still looks after Special Projects for the organization. Also, Ian serves as a board member for the Rotary Club of London.

Full Performer Lineup Announced — Venues Confirmed and Excitement Brewing Across London

by Richard Young

The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated events of the summer: the London Fringe Festival, returning August 12–16, 2025, with an electric mix of theatre, music, magic, comedy and improv.

Fringe 2025 features an exhilarating lineup of 15 diverse acts that are sure to surprise, provoke and delight:

  • The Companion — Maria Colonescu (Two-Person Drama)
  • Wize Guy — Tony Molesworth (Music & Comedy)
  • Would You Like Some Tea? — Isaac Atfield (Drama)
  • The Magic of Ryan Brown — Ryan Brown (Magic)
  • The Light of the East – Asia Minor — Dorukhan Turan (Musical Performance)
  • No Lilies / Everything I Didn’t Get to Say — Jenn Weatherall (Drama)
  • The Naked Mennonite — Allan Fehr (Comedy)
  • Shrink Wrapped Murder — John Palmer (Murder-Mystery)
  • Trial Lawsuit — Graeme Taylor (Comedy Game Show)
  • Many Rooms: The House of Magic —  Leonardo Martins & Andrew Olmstead (Magic)
  • Tales of a Reluctant World Traveler — Randy Ross (One-Man Show)
  • The Turing Test — Yuiry Popov (Drama/Comedy)
  • The Life and Times of Jumbo the Elephant — Matt deKort (Drama)
  • Monster — J2 Productions (Thriller)
  • The Improvables – Controlled Chaos: High-energy improv from London’s hottest new comedy crew!

This year’s confirmed venues will spotlight performances on 5 stages across four iconic locations:

Procunier Hall & David Long Stage — Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas Street
Spriet Family Theatre — Covent Garden Market, 130 King Street
Metropolitan United Church — 468 Wellington Street
First St. Andrew’s United Church — 350 Queens Avenue

“The Fringe Festival is about more than just performance — it’s about connection,” says Melissa Parker, Executive Director of the Palace Theatre Arts Commons. “We’re bringing energy and creativity into the heart of OEV and downtown London, helping to grow a vibrant, inclusive community. This eclectic mix of performers ensures there’s something for everyone — and gives artists the space to take risks, express themselves and truly be seen. It’s grassroots theatre at its finest”

Tickets are available now at palacetheatre.ca/london-fringe or at the door 30 minutes before each show with all tickets priced at just $15 all-in with proceeds go directly to the artists.

Media Contact:
Melissa Parker
Executive Director, Palace Theatre Arts Commons
mparker@ptaclondon.ca
226-927-1588

710 Dundas Street

London, ON

About the London Fringe Festival
The London Fringe Festival is a vibrant, independently produced arts festival that champions bold voices, experimental performance and artistic freedom. With a commitment to accessibility and artist support, the Festival features a mix of theatre, comedy, music, magic and more — all chosen by lottery and presented without censorship. Ticket sale revenue goes directly to the performers. Taking place across multiple venues in downtown London and the Old East Village, the festival creates space for connection, discovery and community celebration.

About the Palace Theatre Arts Commons
The Palace Theatre Arts Commons (PTAC) is a nonprofit cultural hub located in the heart of London’s Old East Village. As home to London Community Players, London Youth Theatre Education, New Stage Adult Education and the London Fringe Festival, PTAC is committed to fostering creativity, accessibility and lifelong learning through the performing arts. With two performance spaces and a year-round slate of programming, PTAC serves as a gathering place for artists, audiences and community members alike — igniting imagination and building a stronger, more connected London.