This is the fifth in a series of Q&A Interviews with representatives of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we interview Sean Brennan of Banished By The King Productions.
(Who is The Banished Guy? The Banished Guy was originally drawn by Sean Brennan in Grade 3. You can easily tell by the crooked smile, misshapen ears, and lumpy eyes why the King would banish this guy.)
Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why?
Our company was founded in 2009 as a dream to continue to produce, write, and act in shows after graduating from university. Many of our original and founding members attended King’s University College, and thus, once our studies were over, we became Banished By The King. Over the years, the group has morphed and grown to include the talents of many members of London’s thriving community theatre scene.
(Pictured: Sean Brennan,Banished By The King Productions)
Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both?
We are a community theatre group.
Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
As of 2019, we have been producing at Procunier Hall at The Palace Theatre. Previously, we produced our work at The Arts Project. As of 2024, we have become the Theatre Company in Residence at the Palace Theatre Arts Commons.
Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
We create original and unique theatre experiences for our audiences. Since 2009, we have produced eighteen full productions and staged readings, and will continue to push ourselves as artists and creative people.
Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid staff?
No.
Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?
We will be remounting a previously successful production of The Family Creetin by Patrick Brennan in April 2026 at the Palace Theatre.
Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about each.
Our auditions for The Family Creetin booked up quickly, and the wait list continues to grow. Keep your eyes open as we’re hoping to have another staged reading or fundraising event in the fall. Check out banishedproductions.ca for all upcoming news.
Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your place in it?
The London Theatre community is a vibrant tapestry that encompasses many differing groups, ideas, and organizations. With an aim to entertaining and enlightening audiences, we look forward to contributing to that tapestry and reflecting our original and unique community in our work.
The Beat Magazine was London’s premier independent arts print magazine from 2009 to 2013. After a long hiatus (nine years!), I reactivated its website as The Beat Magazine 2025 in late July.
My reason for doing so is straightforward. My goal is to gather together in one place the local arts and culture news that the mainstream London media outlets no longer seem interested in covering, unless there are exorbitant advertising dollars involved.
Since going live online, thebeatmagazine2025.ca has published Weekly Arts & Culture listings, Q&A Interviews with local musicians and artists, Media Releases about local Arts & Culture events, reprinted theatre Reviews from Entertain This Thought, and other general arts news, most of which has not been reported in the local media.
In mid-August, I invited all known active London and area theatre companies – community and professional – to participate in a Feature Story profiling them and their 2025-2026 seasons. Each company/group was sent a generic Questionnaire designed to enable me to gather the necessary information. Most (but, unfortunately, not all) responded with the information I was seeking.
Some companies/groups had lots to say, others not so much.
In light of this, I have decided to organize the responses in a Q&A format using the eight Guide Questions I sent to the companies.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting a new Local Theatre Q&A every other day.
Posts will appear alphabetically, beginning with London’s AlvegoRoot Theatre.
AlvegoRoot Theatre – Telling local stories and creating local theatre of Southwestern Ontario. An Interview with Adam Corrigan Holowitz.
Q When was your company founded? By whom and why?
AlvegoRoot Theatre was founded in 2009 by Adam Corrigan Holowitz. Over our first three seasons, we found our mission to develop local plays which speak directly and meaningfully to London and the Souwesto Region.
Q Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre?
AlvegoRoot is a professional theatre ensemble that primarily focuses on presenting local plays and supporting new play development. A quick note of clarification: not-for-profit vs non-profit. I am not a tax expert by any means, so I may not have the finer points down, but a non-profit exists for the advancement of social good (this can include clubs or recreational organizations) whereas a not-for-profit means any organization that does not have shareholders or an owner to benefit directly based on revenue. Almost all theatres in Canada operate on a not-for-profit basis, meaning they do not have shareholders. This includes most professional theatres. The artists and employees being paid for their labour does not make the venture for one. There are very few commercial for-profit theatres in Canada; Mirvish is the most notable. So, the distinction I generally make is between professional theatre and community/amateur theatre. Both are important, and both take different kinds of sacrifice.
Q Does AlvegoRoot Theatre have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
Telling Local Stories, Creating Local Theatre
London Ontario’s AlvegoRoot Theatre supports the work of local playwrights and puts local stories onstage. 2025 marks AlvegoRoot Theatre’s 17th Season. Over those 17 seasons we have produced over 67 productions, 29 of which were world premieres of local plays. At The Manor Park Memorial Hall, AlvegoRoot presents theatre year-round, dedicated to providing a range of dynamic theatre experiences for audiences and supporting the growth of professional regional theatre makers.
Q What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
Our home base is The Manor Park Memorial Hall, where we present plays and special events year-round. We are honoured to manage and develop The Manor Park Memorial Hall into a performing arts venue that hosts the work of theatre artists and musicians from across our city. We also produce a summer production annually in June or July at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. We have been partnering with Fanshawe Pioneer Village since 2014.
Q Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid Staff?
Adam Corrigan Holowitz is the Artistic Director of AlvegoRoot Theatre, and Kydra Ryan is the Associate Artistic Director.
Q Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?
This season, our three mainstage productions, Medical Wonder, London Fog, and Sleigh Without Bells, have all had an overarching elemental theme of fire. The characters in each play must reconcile with humanity’s ability to create the means for destruction. In Medical Wonder, the character of Dr. Imogen Volek chooses between using her medical research as a means for healing or a means to create a biological weapon. In London Fog, the characters of Victoria and Albert use arson to disrupt and disturb the elite of Edwardian London. Finally, in Sleigh Without Bells, the massacre of the Donnelly Family of Biddulph is central to the play.
Q What show(s) will you be staging this fall? Tell me a little bit about each.
This fall, we present Sleigh Without Bells: A Donnellys Story by James Reaney (October 22) and a theatrical concert version of Colleening: The Letters and Poetry of Colleen Thibaudeau (Nov 7 – 9).
About Sleigh Without Bells: Lost in a blizzard, a young man finds himself at the Donnelly farmstead, the one place his father warned him not to tread. Now entangled in the darkest period in the lives of the Donnellys, his own life is in danger.
Written by James Reaney Directed by Kydra Ryan Performed by Adam Corrigan Holowitz.
About Colleening: Going COLLEENING is always an adventure for the friends of the great London poet Colleen Thibaudeau. You never know where you may end up. Her letters and poems create a captivating journey through childhood memories, home life, and Canadian culture.
Featuring songs based on her poems by Oliver Whitehead and Stephen Holowitz, this theatrical concert celebrates a seminal figure in Canadian literature with all the playful intensity and tender wit for which Colleen was known.
Directed and Created by Adam Corrigan Holowitz Text by Colleen Thibaudeau Music by Oliver Whitehead and Stephen Holowitz Music Direction by Stephen Holowitz Featuring Katy Clark, Paul Grambo, Kydra Ryan
This concert version of Colleening is part of Colleening 2025, a grassroots celebration of the centenary of acclaimed London poet Colleen Thibaudeau (1925-2012).
Q Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?
AlvegoRoot strives to create productions and events where our community can have meaningful interactions with live theatre. A goal of our work is to nurture rich relationships between the audiences, the artists, and the plays in a space where all members of the community can feel welcomed, needed, and comfortable to engage with theatre that tells our local stories and speaks to our local community.
The Souwesto arts movement, of which James Reaney and Colleen Thibaudeau were prominent members, greatly influences our work. The use of local stories, people, and geography is central to AlvegoRoot. Reaney’s playwriting influences me through aesthetics, poetry, and symbolism to tell local stories. Thibaudeau’s ability to saturate her poetry with local and personal details has influenced our writing and theatre-making. While a wide range of writers and theatre artists influence our work, Reaney and Thibaudeau’s work continues to influence AlvegoRoot on a spiritual level more than any other artists.
Members of London’s theatre community came out in force at the Palace Theatre on Saturday night, September 6, to help one of their own.
Organized by Director Mariann Sawyer, the Save OurStage FUNdraiser was held to raise money for badly needed immediate repairs to the historic Palace Theatre.
“From a leaky roof dripping into our props basement, to pipes clogged with tree roots, some long-overdue painting and day-to-day wear and tear — we’re facing a short-term need of about $10,000 just to keep things running safely and smoothly,” said Mariann.
To be sure, it was a wonderful night of entertainment and an illustration of the abundance of amazing, talented performers London is home to.
Participants ranged in age from the young members of the Palace’s LYTE program to members of Silver Spotlight Theatre, a group of individuals fifty-five years and older dedicated to producing Broadway musical productions.
Acts that graced the stage included the London Chorus, Pink Pony Club Experience, Caterpillar Chain, The Bohemians Choir, Three Worst Pies (Niccole Alcaidinho, Melissa Metler, and Ceris Thomas), Silver Spotlight Theatre, and The Improvables. Soloists and duos included Joanna Makinson, McKenna Langdon, Lesley Andrew, Rosalie Mattison, Jared Brown, Olivia Power, Kiefer & Grady Maclean, Edgar Yanez, Andrew Olmstead (who delighted the audience with his magic), Jenn Marino, Angie Jansen, Carol Taylor-Wilks, and Kate Milner.
The appreciative audience gave the performers several well-deserved standing ovations throughout the evening
According to Mariann, over one hundred people were involved in bringing the show to the stage.
Over twenty items were generously donated by community members and businesses in and around London. Everything from experiences to custom-made items was up for grabs.
It was nice to see so many members of the city’s arts community there to support their peers and lend support to the historic Palace Theatre. The arts are alive and well in London!
For more information about the Palace Arts Commons and the theatre’s 2025-26 Season, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/
London’s historic Palace Theatre is badly in need of immediate repairs to the aging facility. The Beat Magazine 2009 spoke with Director, Mariann Sawyer, about the September 6th Save Our Stage FUNdraiser. What follows is a Q&A with Mariann. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Why is the Palace Theatre holding the Save Our Stage Fundraiser?
The Palace Theatre Arts Commons is hosting the Save Our Stage FUNdraiser to raise money for immediate repairs to the historic Palace Theatre.
Can you clarify the specific details of the event? Date? Time? Admission Cost?
The Save Our Stage campaign kicks off with the FUNdraiser on Saturday, September 6 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the palacetheatre.ca for $35
What specific repairs are required for the facility?
From a leaky roof dripping into our props basement, to pipes clogged with tree roots, some long-overdue painting and day-to-day wear and tear — we’re facing a short-term need of about $10,000 just to keep things running safely and smoothly.
Can you identify some of the specific acts and performers who will take the stage on September 6th?
We are looking at close to 30 different acts for the evening with a variety of backgrounds and talents. Members of the LYTE program, Silver Spotlight Theatre, The Artful Players, The London Chorus, Caterpillar Chain, The Improvables, Andrew Olmstead and Leonardo Martins, and cast members of Infuse Production and LCP’s Rocky Horror including Olivia Power, Jared Brown, McKenna Langdon, Aidan Coutts and Jenn Marino just to name a few!
Can you tell me about tour Silent Auction?
We have over twenty items generously donated by community members and businesses around London and area. Everything from experiences to custom-made items are up for grabs. We will accept cash or e-transfer for payment and the bidding closes at the end of the intermission!
What is your specific role in putting Save Our Stage together?
I am listed as the Director, but really I’m just the one who said, “Let’s do it”. Everyone has come together to make this night magical and a night for the community to celebrate the arts together.
Have any community partners come forward to help with the event?
We’ve been very fortunate to have members of the OEV BIA, The Bicycle Cafe, Fanshawe College, London Comic Con, AlvegoRoot Theatre, and many community members support us for this event!
Is there anything else you think readers should know about Save Our Stage?
Tickets are selling quickly, and seats are general admission.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 websiteEntertain This Thought, and it is reprinted with the permission of the reviewer. For more Reviews, visit https://www.entertainthisthought.com/
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 Beat Magazine 2025 