Weekend Roundup of Selected Arts Events in the London Area, October 31 – November 2.

Compiled by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager, The Beat Magazine 2025

YOU WANT LIVE THEATRE? WE’VE GOT LIVE THEATRE!

If you are craving some live local theatre, here are three options.

The hilarious The Play That Goes Wrong continues at the Grand Theatre until November 2, while Infuse Productions’ The Rocky Horror Show continues at the Palace Theatre until November 2.

(Pictured: The Cast of The Rocky Horror Show. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)

St. Marys Community Players’ production of Norm Foster’s Hilda’s Yard continues until November 2.

ART EXHIBITIONS IN THE LONDON AREA

Join Lisa Johnson at the Opening Reception of Full Circle, her incredible solo exhibition at Westland Gallery

Full Circle will be on display from October 28th to November 29th. All are welcome at the Opening Reception on Saturday, November 1st, from 1pm to 3pm, at the gallery.

http://www.westlandgallery.ca

TAP Centre for Creativity

Forest City Fusion Main Gallery

Simple Reflections Art Exhibition

October 15 – November 1, 2025

RAW | RELEASE

Oliver P. solo exhibition

October 7 – November 1, 2025

LAB203

https://www.tapcreativity.org/

The Forest City Film Festival Continues until November 2

The Forest City Film Festival returns for its tenth year, hosting nine days of screenings and events at multiple venues in Downtown London. 

For a full schedule, visit https://fcff.ca/schedule/

MUSIC EVENTS IN THE LONDON AREA

Enter a world where mystery reigns and music stirs the soul. This Halloween, immerse yourself in a cinematic experience for a one-of-a-kind viewing of the silent-era thriller, The Hands of Orlac.

This thrilling story of madness, mystery, and romance, with flavours of the Grand Guignol, is now reawakened by a powerful cast of over 50 live musicians, singers, and soloists set to capture your senses.

Presented in the grand, gothic beauty of Metropolitan United Church—transformed for one unforgettable night—this event offers a rare chance to witness a masterpiece of psychological drama in a setting as dramatic as the film itself. Glowing jack-o’-lanterns, evocative lighting, and shadow-draped architecture set the stage for a journey into obsession, identity, and the unknown.

Tickets https://fcff.ca/hands-of-orlac/

Palasad Socialbowl.

Some good things come to an end … Join us for a wicked Halloween Bash and say goodbye to Smile-N-Wave, Friday, October 31.

80’s New Wave all night – Costume Contests – licensed – all ages

$10 Advance $15 Door

Come join us for a spooktacular night of live music and entertainment at Eastside Bar & Grill in London, Ontario. Get ready to rock out to your favorite tunes from G&R and AC/DC! AXL/DC is going to help us celebrate Halloween in style. Costumes are highly encouraged, so put on your best outfit and maybe win some prizes!. Don’t miss out on this epic event! Tickets $20.00 available at the bar & Eventbrite.ca 

Get Spooky at the biggest Halloween party in the city at the London Music Hall, featuring Grammy award-winning artist CASSIAN.

Tickets https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/cassian-at-london-music-hall-london-music-hall-tickets/14576653?pl=LondonMusicHall

Join us for lots of fun at the Dawghouse this weekend!

Kicking things off, we have Electric Popsicle bringing the Halloween fun tonight, so put on your costume and dancing shoes, and get here early! No cover.

Saturday night, Gravity Wagon is back to rock the ´House.

Bands start at 9 pm.

After trick-or-treating, join us for Night of the Living Brass. Consider this your invitation to Brassroots’ big Halloween party/concert. There will be spooky and fantastical music ranging from classical to novelty tunes…and a certain Phantom may even appear at the organ!

brassroots.ca/living-brass

A fundraiser supporting El Sistema Aeolian Children’s Music program and the charitable work of the Rotary Club of London Hyde Park. Saturday, November 1st, 2025. Main Floor Seating: $125 per person (tables of 4 & tables of 8); includes 2 cocktails & charcuterie. Balcony Seating: $60 per person; concert & amp; dancing only.

Tickets https://events.humanitix.com/cocktails-and-classics-featuring-big-bandemic-and-denise-pelley/tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawNyAS9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBMUtpWlU4Zk8xdTlUNmJWAR5JevZFNB0B3bjIb6XKD-PmD5ubP8TMVX0JkG3LopuEb5deED-PdGk2BvfhYg_aem_iAtzZcrrAvuuFzVb19tsMw

OTHER

Happy Halloween from Pumpkins After Dark! 

We’ve had an un-BOO-lievable season sharing the glow with all of you! Just two magical nights left – tonight and tomorrow before the lights go out until next year. 

If you haven’t strolled through the pumpkins yet, this is your last chance to catch the magic before it disappears! 

Book your tickets here: http://pumpkinsafterdark.com

This Week in London and Area Arts & Culture, October 6 – 12.

Mavis Productions presents the rocky horror show, oct. 9-18.

Mavis Productions does the time warp again into their 4TH ANNUAL TRADITION!

The Rocky Horror Show returns to London to celebrate 50 years of the film you love, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW!

In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.”

Filled with all the classic songs and audience participation that made the film so much fun for over 50 years, all of it comes to life on the stage. So bring your costumes and all your scripts and be ready for a night of absolute pleasure. Whether you come out for our 2 pm afternoon shows, our classic 7 pm shows, or our returning MIDNIGHT PERFORMANCES, we know you will shiver with antici…pation!!

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

Ingersoll theatre of Performing Arts presents 7-10 Split, oct. 10 – 19.

Strike up some laughs with 7-10 Split by Michael G. Wilmot!

When wild ideas, big personalities, and a few gutter balls collide, you’ve got a comedy that’s guaranteed to keep you laughing from the first frame to the last. Don’t miss this community theatre gem that’s all about friendship, fun, and the unexpected turns life throws our way.

Show Dates: October 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2025.

For more information and tickets, visit https://www.itopa.ca/

shut the door improv presents the wurst brats, oct. 7.

Join us Tuesday, October 7th, for the debut of The Wurst Brats, the newest STFD Masterclass graduates hitting the stage for the very first time! 🌭💥

These fresh improv talents are bringing the heat with an hour of juicy, short-form comedy that’s guaranteed to have you rolling.

From the Shut The Front Door Improv Masterclass Program, this is your chance to catch the next generation of performers serving up live, unscripted hilarity right before your eyes.

Don’t miss it, come out for live laughs and support local improv!

Get tickets https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1754223582959?aff=oddtdtcreator

this week at the eastside bar & grill.

october events at the dawghouse.

monday night trivia at the morrissey house, oct. 6.

westland gallery, the roots of wisdom, continues until oct. 25.

This exhibition is a must-see in person. New landscapes and wildlife paintings by these two incredible artists will be on display until October 25th! Preview the full exhibition today at www.westlandgallery.ca.

this week at the london public library.

scoring the silence: composing a new score for a silent thriller, oct. 8 at the palace theatre.

Presented by the YAPCA (Young Artists Pre-College Academy)

Scoring the Silence: Composing a New Score for a Silent Thriller

Experience the art of silent cinema re-imagined through powerful new music.

Join acclaimed composer and conductor Scott Good as he shares the creative process behind his two-hour original score for the 1924 silent horror classic The Hands of Orlac (to be performed in full on October 31 at 8:30 PM at Metropolitan United).

Featuring recorded film excerpts on the big screen and live performances by YAPCA faculty and students, this engaging session offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of film, music, and imagination.

The event also includes the world premiere of The Somnambulist (The Sleepwalker) — a haunting new work composed especially for this occasion.

Perfect for music lovers, film fans and the culturally curious alike.

This public event will run from 6:00-7:00 – doors 5:50 

For more information, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/shows-events-listing/

this week at the aeolian

https://aeolianhall.ca/