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/
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.
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 