Tag: art

THE WEEK AHEAD IN LONDON AND AREA ARTS & CULTURE, SEPT. 1- 7.

by Richard Young

Here’s a sampling of arts and culture events taking place in London and the area this week. Check back often for daily updates.

elevate electronic music festival, sept. 6th.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/elevatedancemusicldn

pi rocks the eastside bar & grill, friday, sept. 5.

50 Hamilton Rd London, ON.

https://www.facebook.com/EastsidesLondon

big bandemic closes out springbank gardens concert series, sunday, sept. 7.

Sunday, September 7th, is our last concert of the 2025 season. We are going out in a big way with a really big band. Big Bandemic is an 18-piece band featuring some of the finest musicians around.

It’ll feel a bit like the old Wonderland Garden days. See you at 2pm!

Master Hypnotist, tj fox, wsg Peter Mennie, at the wolf performance hall, sept. 5.

Straight from Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Master Hypnotist TJ Fox takes the stage at Wolf Performance Hall on September 5th with special guest Peter Mennie.

Tickets are available now
https://buff.ly/2iQBiAH

an acoustic evening with the sadies at the palasad socialbowl, sept. 5.

An Acoustic Evening with The Sadies
Get ready for a night steeped in pure Canadian rock ‘n’ roll royalty. The Sadies are more than just a band—they’re a force. With their razor-sharp musicianship, genre-defying sound, and an unmatched ability to weave surf, psych, garage, country, and punk into something entirely their own, they’ve carved a legacy as one of the most wicked live acts you’ll ever witness.

From haunting ballads to full-tilt barnburners, The Sadies deliver every note with fire, soul, and that unmistakable edge that’s kept them at the top of the game for decades. If you know, you know—and if you don’t, this is your chance to find out why they’re one of Canada’s most beloved and badass bands.

Licensed – All Ages – Doors 7pm
Show 8pm
$25 Advance – $30 Door

echoes of the land exhibition opens sept 2 at westland gallery.

Jane Roy, Denise Antaya, and VC Glennie join us for our newest exhibition, opening on Tuesday September 2nd! Join our artists at the Opening Reception on Saturday September 6th from 1pm to 3pm to celebrate this beautiful new show.

Pictured:

Jane Roy, “French River Tree Portrait I”, 20 x 10″, acrylic on canvas, $300

Find out what’s happening this week at your Library!

Visit https://westlandgallery.ca/?v=05c7c5a71e52

gravity junky at the dawghouse, sept. 6.

Get ready, London. After a long summer of touring Ontario, Gravity Junky is ready to bring it home for a free dance show at The Dawghouse.

699 Wilkins St., London, ON.

good food, live jazz at peppermoon restaurant, sept. 4.

Join us Wednesday, September 4 for an unforgettable evening with the incredible Nevin Campbell & Rachelle Courtney.

 6 PM – 9 PM

Peppermoon Restaurant, 1100 Commusiioners Rd E. London ON

Smooth vocals, soulful piano, and the perfect vibe to pair with your dinner & drinks. 

Hot tub hippies at the wortley roadhouse, sept. 5 & 6.

190 Wortley Rd, London, ON 

Actor Auditions for Theatre Aezir, Sept. 7.

Get Ready for “Dating Games”! Attention actors in their 20s to late 30s! Theatre Aezir invites you to join an exciting comedic journey.

We are holding auditions for “Dating Games” by Garth Wingfield, a comedy comprised of five entertaining ‘playlets’ designed to delight in a single evening. As part of our artist development initiative, this production offers a unique opportunity for talented actors to participate in an exceptional project. Come be a part of the fun!

About the Production:
This unique opportunity allows actors to work closely with emerging directors under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. As part of our commitment to nurturing future theatre talent, actors who are selected will participate in a one-week acting workshop honing your stagecraft with instruction in stage movement, diction, and vocal production.
• Performance Dates: November 5 to November 16, 2025
• Actor Training: Week of October 12, 2025
• Rehearsals: October 19 to November 4, 2025

How to Apply:
Spark our interest by sending your resume and headshot to auditions@theatreaezir.com. Auditions will be held on Sept 7. Be first in line. Send your resume now. We’d like to hear a contemporary monologue (1-2 minutes) that highlights your skills and abilities. Get ready for some spontaneous fun as we’ll have you doing cold readings from the script.

rum ragged at the aeolian, sept. 5.

2021 JUNO Award Nominees, Rum Ragged, take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, this young band has quickly become known as the finest performers of their great, living, musical tradition. Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with their signature brand of Newfoundland folk. Always honest, thought-provoking, and often humorous, it’s Rum Ragged’s live show that makes them a fast favourite with any audience. Their combination of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship, and captivating storytelling gives concert-goers an experience they won’t soon forget. Since their inception in 2016, Rum Ragged has maintained a rigorous tour schedule, performing at some of the world’s premier folk, celtic and roots venues all while managing to record four acclaimed, award-winning studio albums. Rum Ragged is not your run-of-the-mill folk band, they are the genuine article. 

Tickets https://aeolianhall.ca/events/rum-ragged-3/

this week at the london public library.

View the full lineup of programs on our website: https://buff.ly/2JCrqDa

Summer Songs on Elmwood featuring laurraine sigouin & friends, sept. 1.

Summer Songs on Elmwood with Laurraine Sigouin & Friends, Monday, Sept. 1, 2:00 pm, 64 Elmwood Ave. Donations for the musicians are welcome.

Save our stage fundraiser at the palace theatre, sat, sept. 6.

Saturday, September 6
Showtime: 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Tickets: $35 (all fees included)

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, magic, laughter, and community spirit at Save Our Stage: A Variety FUNdraiser! This one-night-only celebration brings together some of London’s most talented performers — singers, musicians, actors, magicians, and more — all coming together to help raise vital funds for the Palace Theatre Arts Commons.

Proceeds from this high-energy evening will support crucial repairs, ongoing programming, and the beloved productions that keep our historic theatre alive and thriving. In addition to the live entertainment, enjoy a silent auction, door prizes and surprise moments throughout the night.

Come early to mix and mingle with fellow theatre lovers, bid on great prizes, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of community and creativity.

Help us Save Our Stage – and have a ton of fun doing it!

For more information, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/

tom dunphy ‘s classic country music show at the richmond tavern, sept. 6.

goldfish continues at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre until sept. 13.

goldfish by Steve Ross continues till September 13 at Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Starring Stratford Festival stars: Martha Farrell and John Dolan, both making their PSFT debuts, directed by Artistic Director Liz Gilroy, set design by Joe Recchia, assistant set design by Doug Cottrell, lighting and sound design by Paige Thompson, and costumes by Dora-nominated Alex Amini. 

For tickets, visit: https://psft.ca/

history culture walks presented by museum london begin sept. 4.

Summer may be winding down, but there’s so much to look forward to at Museum London.

This September, we’re excited to welcome you to a full month of community events, new exhibitions, and free programming as part of London Heritage Council‘s Doors Open London and Ontario Culture Days — all celebrating the sights, sounds, and stories that make our city special.

Check out what’s coming up here and access a full listing of programs and events on our website: https://buff.ly/RciwHtz

this week at the eastside bar & Grill.

750 Hamilton Rd, London, ON, Canada,

https://www.eastsidebarandgrill.ca/

dan hill and andy kim in story and song at the aeolian, sept. 6.

Dan Hill – is an international music industry legend and one of Canada’s most distinguished, authentic, and multi-talented artists: Grammy-winner, five time-Juno Award winner, Harold Moon Award, and inducted into the venerated Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Award . Dan is known for his heartfelt sensibility on two massive international hits, Sometimes When We Touch, recognized as one of the Top 100 Songs of the Century and one of Top 100 Most Played Songs of All Time, and Can’t We Try, which spent 29 weeks on Billboard charts . Dan has produced hit songs for Celine Dion and George Benson, with his compositions being recorded by artists such as Britney Spears, Rod Stewart, The Backstreet Boys, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and many more His voice is “smooth softness, with a light warmth,” perfectly describing both his original and recent works that fans still gather to enjoy today.

Andy Kim – “I’m excited to share the stage with my dear friend, the multitalented Dan Hill.”

In 1969, Andy co-wrote Sugar Sugar – his first Billboard #1 hit. In 1974, Andy wrote a new song called “Rock Me Gently” and absolutely no one wanted to produce it. Andy loved the song, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He formed his own record company, called !CE, and produced the record on his own. When it was released, “Rock Me Gently” went straight to #1 on the Billboard charts and it remained on the charts for a staggering 4 months. This second #1 Billboard song added to Andy’s international success. In 2004, Andy’s collaboration with Ed Robertson of The Barenaked Ladies’ “I Forgot To Mention” gave him another Top 10, and Andy was voted by Canadian Music Week as the Best Solo Indie Artist of the Year.

A true Canadian son, Andy has had 9 top 40 Billboard hits including Baby I Love You. He was recently honoured with the appointment to the Order of Canada. He has been awarded the country’s top industry honours including a Juno award, the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame and a star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame. Andy is a member of Songwriters Hall of Fame, was inducted into Billboard’s Hit Parade Hall of Fame, and in 2017, for the 2nd time in their 70-year history, SOCAN honoured Andy with their Cultural Impact Award. Over his epic career, Andy has sold over 30 million records, and has over half a billion streams on Spotify and YouTube.

live music with colin coleiro, sept. 3, at the pierside pub.

Live music and Wings, Wed Sept 3, with Colin Coleiro starting at 6pm.

158 William St Port Stanley, ON

tropical explosion with orlando valencia music, sept. 6, at the roxbury niteclub.

1165 Oxford St E, London, ON

https://www.roxburygrilllondon.com/

shady artists exhibitions opens sept. 4 at the tap centre for creativity.

The annual Shady Artists exhibition is here! Join us this Thursday, September 4 from 4PM – 7PM for the opening reception as part of Art Crawl Thursdays.

The exhibition will run until September 13. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12PM – 5PM.

203 Dundas Street, London, ON.

https://www.tapcreativity.org/

New Exhibition, Echoes of the Land, opens at Westland Gallery, Sept. 2.

by Richard Young
MEDIA RELEASE – Westland Gallery’s incredibly brilliant and successful textile show will be closing this weekend, and I will be installing the next show, titled Echoes of the Land, this Sunday. This exhibition features Jane Roy, VC Glennie and Denise Antaya; three painters who are creating landscapes and urban scenes with a few figures thrown in to mix it up a bit. Denise is a high realism painter whose landscapes are generally from close to home. VC’s work is leaning towards abstraction, with some architecture and figures introduced for a more urban appearance. Jane has created two impressionistic series of works based on landscapes in both Canada and Scotland. We have worked with Jane for almost as long as she has been painting. She started taking painting lessons with Jamie Jardine 8-10 years ago and within a couple of years she was ready to show her work. I was fortunate enough to be the gallery that Jane chose to exhibit with. I was confident that she had the talent, drive and mentorship that would take her a long way.
Over the years Jane has found her own style, as well as confidence in her ability to create some wonderful work. She and Jamie are now both friends and collaborators and have created many pieces together that are really incredible. Somehow she has an endless supply of energy to be a mother, hockey player, painter and co-executive director of the London Foodbank with her husband, Glen Pearson. I feel honoured to have Jane as a part of our gallery.
Denise Antaya has been with us for about eight years, and again, when I met Denise, I knew she was determined and destined to be a star in the art world. After a life altering event she chose to return to school to study high realism painting. She went to the Academy of Realist art in Toronto where they teach you how to draw and paint like the old masters. Denise is a lifelong learner who keeps evolving and getting better and better. She was a finalist in the Great Canadian Landscape painter show on CBC and wins awards around the world for her beautiful landscapes. Nobody sees or depicts light like Denise. Her paintings make you feel the warmth of the sunshine and the joy a beautiful sunset brings.
VC Glennie is a more recent painter for us. Although she has been in our Square Foot Show for years, she was never able to commit the time to paint a full show for us. VC was a caregiver for aging parents for four years and she selflessly took on the role and drew whenever time allowed to keep her skills honed.
VC has had extensive formal training, starting off with a BA from the University of Western Ontario, then B.Sc.A.A.M. Art as Applied to Medicine from the University of Toronto.  She worked for years in the field as a medical illustrator until she found it too isolating. She then went to Sheridan college to study computer animation and then worked in the United States in that profession for a while. When she returned home, VC took a studio at The Arts Project until she was needed at home full time. When life changed again, VC went back to painting and has explored an array of different styles and subject matters. She was recently in The Figurative Show and has now created  architectural and figurative landscapes that push the definition of landscape painting just a bit.   The show promises to be another great one, I hope you all will be able to come and see it.

Al Stewart, Westland Gallery
For more information about Westland Gallery, visit https://westlandgallery.ca/

Q&A Profile Audrey Cooper & ArtWithPanache 

by Richard Young

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. 

To learn more about Audrey and ArtWithPanache, visit https://artwithpanachelondon.weebly.com/

You can also follow ArtWithPanache on Facebook and Instagram. 

Meet Photographer Belinda J. Clements

by Richard Young

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

Shrek The Musical Reviewed by Vicki Stokes

by Richard Young

Headbands featuring green ogre ears and sparkly tiaras are dotted throughout the audience while excited children wiggle in their booster seats. The stage is a giant storybook, welcoming you inside. Shrek The Musical, which features an unlikely hero and familiar bedtime story characters, is now playing on the Main stage at Huron Country Playhouse.

Not a trace of doubt in my mind, I’m a believer that, if at all possible, you should take your kids or grandkids to see Shrek and the gang. When I took my seat in the theatre, I didn’t care too much about Shrek and the movies and hype, but I have changed my mind. This modern musical is not only a refreshing twist on traditional fairy tales, but a lavish production with incredible costumes and original music.

The show begins with the Ogre parents sending the young Shrek out to live in the swamp by himself. Likewise, the King and Queen lock their young daughter, Princess Fiona, in a tower protected by a fierce dragon.

Many years later, diminutive villain Lord Farquaad has evicted all the storybook characters and sent them to Shrek’s swamp. Shrek wants them off his land, so he agrees to find Farquaad a bride in return for relocating all the characters. Along with his sidekick Donkey, he faces danger head-on to retrieve the princess. After rescuing Fiona, Shrek falls in love with her, but a misunderstanding leads to Fiona heading to the altar with Farquaad.

Drew Plummer is impressive as Shrek, as is Jeremy Carver-James as Donkey and Jayme Armstrong as Fiona. Their voices are perfect for the characters. Shrek’s complexion is just right, not overly green or overdone.

The original Tony Award-winning costume design by Tim Hatley is used, featuring lots of textures and textiles of interest. The dragon consists of many different parts, all interesting in their own right. From a purple head and wings to skeleton and scales, she is humanized as the powerful singer Clea McCaffrey. There is plenty of attention to detail, such as the proportional size of Shrek’s and Farquaad’s hands.

Jeremy Legat is excellent as the short-statured Lord Farquaad. On his knees for most of the role, Legat’s voice more than makes up for his height. The ensemble is phenomenal in the multiple roles as storybook heroes, knights and other assorted characters (including two younger Fionas). And yes, Pinocchio’s nose grows when he tells lies. It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing nose, but it works.

One detail I noticed on opening night was the absence of the fire under the rickety bridge, as shown in the photos on social media. The presence of a glow that looks like fire is necessary to make the bridge appear more dangerous, since the bridge seems quite small and non-lethal on stage. Hopefully, it will make its appearance in subsequent shows. One other comment I would like to make in general is that the show is two and a half hours, not including intermission. I witnessed some cranky and sleepy children in the middle of Act II. Fortunately, everyone was able to perk up again for the finale.

Shrek is an ogre: there is belching, farts and the subsequent jokes. There’s also a lot of heart, positive messages, catchy original music, outstanding voices, creative costumes, colourful lighting effects, and some sneaky stage magic. There’s so much to love here, for adults as well as for the kids. Embrace your inner ogre and see Shrek if you can! If not at Huron Country Playhouse now, then at Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge from December 3rd to December 28th.

Shrek The Musical continues until August 31st at Huron Country Playhouse, Mainstage. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, or Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.

Photo: Jeremy Carver-James, Drew Plummer, Jayme Armstrong. Photo by Hilary Gauld.

Photo: Jeremy Carver-James, Drew Plummer, Jayme Armstrong. Photo by Hilary Gauld.

Shrek The Musical
Based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig
Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Directed and choreographed by David Connolly
Music Director: Steve Thomas
Performed by: Drew Plummer, Jayme Armstrong, Jeremy Carver-James, Jeremy Legat, et al.
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
Mainstage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
August 6 to August 31, 2025
Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge
December 3 – December 28, 2025
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes

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/

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.

The 2025 fringe festival lineup is set!

by Richard Young

The 2025 London Fringe Festival Lineup is Set!

The highly anticipated 2025 London Fringe Festival is back and ready to take over the city from August 12-16, 2025! Hosted by the Palace Theatre Arts Commons, this year’s festival is set to showcase an electrifying mix of performances from local, national and international artists.

Fifteen incredible productions are poised to bring their creativity to life in five venues across the downtown core. Audiences can expect an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, dance, and magic, promising bold storytelling and boundary-pushing performances.

The London Fringe Festival is an open-access, unjuried festival that champions artistic freedom, allowing performers to take risks and audiences to discover raw, unfiltered and unexpected storytelling. The mission of the London Fringe is to support artists and bring innovative performances to the community. 

August 12-16, 2025
90 Performances, 15 Productions, 5 Venues, Endless Entertainment

Venues: 

Procunier Hall – Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas Street
David Long Stage – Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas Street
Spriet Family Theatre – Original Kids, Covent Market, 130 King Street
Metropolitan United Church – 468 Wellington Street
First St. Andrews United Church – 350 Queens Avenue

Shows and Performers:

  1. Maria Colonescu — The Companion (Two-Person Drama)
  2. Tony Molesworth — Wize Guy (Music and Comedy)
  3. Isaac Atfield — Would You Like Some Tea? (Drama)
  4. Ryan Brown — The Magic of Ryan Brown (Magic Show)
  5. Dorukhan Turan — The Light of the East – Asia Minor (Musical Performance)
  6. Jenn Weatherall — No Lilies / Everything I Didn’t Get to Say (In a Collection of Petals) (Drama)
  7. Allan Fehr — The Naked Mennonite (Comedy)
  8. John Palmer — Shrink Wrapped Murder (Murder-Mystery)
  9. Graeme Taylor — Trivial Lawsuit (Comedy Gameshow)
  10. Leonardo Martins & Andrew Olmstead — Many Rooms: The House of Magic  (Magic Show)
  11. Randy Ross — Tales of a Reluctant World Traveler (One-Man Show)
  12. Yuiry Popov — The Turing Test (Drama/Comedy)
  13. Matt deKort –  The Life and Times of Jumbo the Elephant (Drama)
  14. J2  Productions — Monster (Thriller)
  15. The Improvables — Controlled Chaos:Short Form Improv Show (Improv)

For full Festival details, including show schedules, venue locations and ticket sales, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/london-fringe/

Kelli Gough
London Fringe Festival Organizer