Tag: theatre

Theatre Aezir’s Dating Games, November 6-16, is more than just a show.

by Richard Young

by Erin Sevigny

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

It’s the night before opening night. We call that a Dress Rehearsal. When I left the theatre on Wednesday night, the chairs were not set up, cables were all over the place, we were still waiting for a wardrobe delivery, and I had to stop by the LCBO to get a replacement prop.

But you know by tomorrow night at 7:55pm, everything will be in place, lines will be learned, and the directors can finally breathe. Every time I do this, I ask myself, ‘Why do I do this to myself?’ And the next time I forget what it was like, I just do it again.

Dating Tip: Skip the small talk, go to the theatre.  Theatre Aezir presents Dating Games by Garth Wingfield — laughter, romance, and everything in between. Come with a date, come with friends, or come alone and make new ones in the lobby line. Either way, you’ll fall in love with the show. 

Dating Games features five short plays, each showcasing a comically terrible first date that goes off the rails. Written by Garth Wingfield, the show’s real focus lies not in the dates themselves, but in the emerging theatre talent directing the plays. This production serves as a groundbreaking training initiative, providing mentorship and performance opportunities for up-and-coming directors.

“Dating Games is a truly special production. It is more than just a show; it’s a project that combines mentorship, training, and performance, contributing to the entire theatrical community,” says Elizabeth Durand, Theatre Aezir’s Artistic Director.

“We are so proud of our Emerging Directors. Our mentors are guiding them, but they hit the road running on all four cylinders. Each of them has a distinct style, but is no less effective. We are sure that after this experience, there will be five new directors ready for their next assignment,” adds Durand.

Check out this short video featuring Cast & Crew members answering the question: “Why should people come see Dating Games? https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CLH8LELj9/

Your support is crucial to fulfill the promise of this project.

If You Go:

What: Theatre Aezir presents Dating Games.

When: November 6th to November 16th

Where: First Baptist Church, 568 Richmond St., London, ON

Tickets: Discount codes are available for seniors, under-30s, and arts workers on Theatre Aezir’s ticketing page: https://events.humanitix.com/dating-games-bad-dates-good-theatre

For more information about Theatre Aezir, visit https://theatreaezir.com/

Read The Beat Magazine’s Profile of Theatre Aezir at https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/10/02/introducing-theatre-aezir-qa-with-elizabeth-durand/

Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theatreaezir

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theatreaezir/

Expect the Unexpected at Port Stanley Festival Theatre’s 2026 Summer Season.

by Richard Young

The 2026 Summer Season at Port Stanley Festival Theatre premieres May 27th, and it’s sure to be a summer of standing ovations.

The season kicks off with Inner Elder, written and performed by award-winning Cree artist Michelle Thrush. Real-life memories told with laughter and grace, join Michelle on her poignant journey; it promises to fill your heart and put a smile on your face.

Get your groove on with Get Down Tonight: The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack starring Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band. From ABBA to Aerosmith, Joni Mitchell to James Taylor, The Rolling Stones to The Bee Gees: the hits just keep on coming! Press rewind and relive the good times.

Opening on June 10th is the classic Norm Foster The Long Weekend. It’s titillating, it’s sassy, and it’s got a couple of plot twists that you will never see coming. Will these two couples survive a weekend full of grudges, hanky-panky, secrets, and lies?

One starry night 12 years ago, Jesse and Hannah met, and it was magical. Now they have a second chance at love. Sugar Road by Kristen Da Silva is a sweet, romantic comedy set in a rundown amusement park full of laughter, colourful characters, and a couple of catchy tunes.

Deadly Memories, a World Premiere comedy/thriller by Steven Gallagher, will leave you guessing and gasping for August. Cassandra can’t remember anything after her terrifying car crash and doesn’t know who to trust. Is it all in her mind? Is someone out for revenge? Who’ll get the last laugh?

Ship To Shore, Norm Foster’s hilarious new comedy, has its World Premiere on our stage starting August 19th. Is it love at first sight or mutual irritation for Erin and James, both bound on a cruise to Ireland? As they say, “What happens at sea, stays at sea!”

Musical Mondays on our Pat and Ali Shakir Harbour View Patio, Talk Back Tuesdays, The Simon Joynes Playwrights’ Festival, and ASL interpreted shows are all back for the summer of 2026.

Don’t miss your chance to save on PSFT’s Early Bird Subscriptions, a savings of over $50.00, and a chance to win two season subscriptions if you purchase by January 15, 2026. Gift certificates are also available; they’re a great holiday gift!

Every seat tells a story at Port Stanley Festival. Visit www.psft.ca for more information and check out all of its shows!

Wonderful Joe by Ronnie Burkett opens at Auburn Stage at the Grand Theatre, Tuesday, November 4th

by Richard Young

Media Release, Grand Theatre.

Award-winning, world-renowned, and infamously cheeky, Ronnie Burkett is back at the Grand Theatre with his unmatched mischievous, rollicking irreverence. Burkett’s latest work, Wonderful Joe, unleashes his sharp, unrelenting wit on the cities we call home, the people we overlook, and the four-legged friends walking beside them. And he’s bringing Mother Nature, Santa Claus, Jesus, and the Tooth Fairy along for the ride. Wonderful Joe, created and performed by Ronnie Burkett, opens the Grand Theatre’s Auburn Stage for the 2025/26 Season. Already extended due to popular demand, the production will run from Tuesday, November 4, through Sunday, November 23.

(Pictured: The marionette leaning rail as playboard. Photo: Ian Jackson)

Siminovitch Prize winner Ronnie Burkett brings the story of Joe Pickle (and Mister the Dog) to life with his signature style of beautiful puppetry and solo performance, with a glorious score and soundscape by John Alcorn. The Globe and Mail’s Best Theatre of 2024 wrote, “If I had to pick only one favourite piece of theatre from this year, Wonderful Joe was it.” Known to Londoners for his sold-out runs of The Daisy Theatre (2017) and Little Dickens (2023), Burkett returns with a poignant yet audacious story brought to life by his string marionettes.

“Ronnie’s unique insight into the world, as a marionettist from Medicine Hat, Alberta, turned into an internationally-recognized star, is unparalleled,” shares Rachel Peake, Grand Theatre Artistic Director. “The way he sees the world with humanity, heart, and the most daring humour is a point of view I am always hungry to live in, if only for the length of a play.”

Wonderful Joe is created and performed by Ronnie Burkett with Music Production, Arrangements, Vocals, Keyboards, and Digital Programming by John Alcorn, Lighting Design by Kevin Humphrey, Marionette and Costume Design by Ronnie Burkett, Featured Vocals by Coco Love Alcorn, and Mixing and Mastering by Jeff Wolpert, Desert Fish Studios. Wonderful Joe by Ronnie Burkett plays on the Auburn Stage at the Grand Theatre from November 4 to November 23.

Single tickets are $48, and Auburn Series Subscriptions offer a 25% discount ($71.44 for both Wonderful Joe and Mrs Krishnan’s Party). Tickets and subscriptions are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519.672.8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

To learn more about Wonderful Joe by Ronnie Burkett at the Grand Theatre, please visit grandtheatre.com/event/wonderful-joe. Follow the production and peek behmind the scenes by following @thegrandlondon and #GrandJoe on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, YouTube, & TikTok.

The Rocky Horror Show: A Wild, Fearless, and Fabulous Ride.

by Richard Young

Reviewed by The Beat Magazine’s Jo-Anne Bishop.

(Pictured: Shaidon Woods in full costume and makeup as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and other cast members in The Rocky Horror Show. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)

The Infuse Productions/Palace Theatre co-production of The Rocky Horror Show is a bold, electrifying spectacle that bursts with energy, confidence, and campy fun from start to finish. Under the inspired direction of Mel Stewart (in her directorial debut, no less) the show hits every outrageous note with style and precision. Stewart’s leadership brings cohesion to the chaos, celebrating the spirit of the cult classic while adding a fresh, local flair that absolutely dazzles.

The choreography throughout is nothing short of outstanding. Crisp, creative, and packed with personality. Every movement feels deliberate and dynamic, perfectly suited to the show’s eccentric energy.

David Long’s minimalist set design is both practical and imaginative. Built to accommodate a live band on stage, it provides the perfect backdrop without ever detracting from the vibrant costumes or the incredible performances that command the audience’s attention.

(Pictured: Betamaxx)

The live band, Betamaxx, deserves special mention. Their tight, polished sound drives the entire show with precision and power. Every cue lands perfectly, every riff energizes the room. Positioned on stage, they manage to be a visible part of the world without ever intruding on the action, which is a testament to both their musicianship and the thoughtful staging.

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

Casting for this production is simply spot-on. Each performer seems born for their role. Shaidon Woods (Frank N. Furter) and Brendon Ainscow (Rocky) lead spectacularly, heating up the theatre with their charisma and—let’s call a spade a spade—incredibly toned physiques.

(Pictured: Jared Brown as Brad and McKenna Langdon as Janet. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)

Jared Brown (Brad), McKenna Langdon (Janet), Sarah Dennison (Columbia), Aidan Coutts (Riff Raff), and Jenn Marino (Magenta) all deliver outstanding performances, with vocal talent well above typical community theatre calibre. Their voices soar. Sometimes sultry, sometimes raw, always captivating. And of course, the chorus rounds out the cast wonderfully, never missing a beat.

(Pictured: Jenn Marino as Magenta. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)

Part of what makes The Rocky Horror Show such an unforgettable experience is its infamous audience participation. At the Palace, this tradition is embraced wholeheartedly. It’s wild, raucous, and loud—perhaps too loud for some tastes—but it’s an essential part of the cult phenomenon. As one audience member aptly shouted, “It’s just a jump to the left!” Indeed, the crowd is as much a part of the show as the cast.

At times, Jeff Werkmeister’s performance as the Narrator was momentarily drowned out by the audience’s enthusiasm, but he handled it with wit and ease, working the crowd masterfully and keeping the energy high. His effortless breaking of the fourth wall mirrored Frank N. Furter’s gleeful command of the same device, pulling the audience ever deeper into the madness.

(Pictured: Jeff Werkmeister as The Narrator. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)

The bravery of the cast cannot go unmentioned. This is a show that demands vulnerability, often performed in little more than underwear, yet the actors deliver with total confidence. Their comfort and commitment make their performances all the more believable, powerful, and liberating to watch.

Overall, The Rocky Horror Show at the Palace Theatre is a fantastic, fearless production that’s both outrageous and artful. It’s community theatre at its most daring, bursting with talent, energy, and unapologetic fun. Whether you’re a longtime “Rocky” fan or a first-timer, you’re in for a wild ride. And a word of advice, if you’re a newcomer: wear pearls—you may need to clutch them.

If You Go:

What: The Rocky Horror Show
Where: Palace Theatre Arts Commons, 710 Dundas St, London, Ontario
When: Thursday, October 30 – 7:30 pm, Friday, October 31 – 7:30 pm, Saturday, November 1 – 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Sunday, November 2 – 2:00 pm
Tickets: Palace Theatre Arts Commons | London ON Community Theatre
Adults: $38 – Deluxe ticket with party supplies – $43
Students/Seniors (55+): $36 – Deluxe ticket with party supplies – $41
Youth (under 18): $23 – Deluxe ticket with party supplies – $28

For more information about Infuse Productions, visit https://www.infuseldn.ca/infuse-productions

For more information about the Palace Theatre, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/

Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop.

This Week in London and Area Arts & Culture, October 13-19: Selected Events.

by Richard Young

What follows are some selections from the many Arts & Culture events taking place this week in the London area. Check back for more updates throughout the week.

5th annual honour & harmony fundraiser for atlohsa, oct. 18.

Join Leanne Mayer, Big Lou, and Alex Cooper for an unforgettable night of music and fundraising in support of Atlohsa, a local Indigenous nonprofit organization.
Now in its fifth year, this annual event brings the community together to celebrate music, culture, and retribution.

Come be a part of the movement—support Indigenous-led healing and social change.

coquest art festival and community forum, oct. 15-19.

CoQuest brings together 50+ contributors, including artists, artisans, community organizers, singer-songwriters, and more. 

Full details and advanced tickets can be purchased at https://linktr.ee/corduroy.earth?fbclid=IwY2xjawNbN1tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5M3dyN2tLYW9xWW43TmNQAR5URmdU9WN0fWWMnOZjcRT4pgcazEgg3SkbcD1WK5WKkkytr7U21RPRS48egw_aem_7QZJ7hgLqzupVbS72B3gbg

anne moniz and Daniel Oniszeczko, oct. 16, at the richmond tavern.

Something a little different this Thursday, Oct 16th- from 6-8pm. Bev Camp, Daniel Oniszeczko, and Anne Moniz will be the special guests of a fabulous showcase hosted by @tamikegley at The Richmond. This is a Pay-What-You-Can event.

this week at the aeolian.

The Jeffery Concerts presents a program of Baroque and Early Classical music, October 19, at the Metropolitan Church.

Read our Preview at https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/10/13/the-jeffery-concerts-continue-the-2025-26-season-with-a-program-of-baroque-and-early-classical-music-october-19-at-the-metropolitan-church/

this week at the london public library.

fanshawe pioneer village presents Return to the Abandoned Village, oct. 16-19.

This Halloween… the past comes back to haunt you. Fanshawe Pioneer Village and ByronScaryHouse Productions dare you to enter… Return to the Abandoned Village. This isn’t a haunted house…It’s a haunted Village. Five buildings transformed into nightmares – one unforgettable walk through fear.

The Abandoned Village is a 14+ event, and many nights do sell out.
Why wait? Get your tickets now … if you dare.

For ticket purchase and more info visit https://www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca/…/the-abandoned

mavis productions the rocky horror show continues until oct. 18 at the wolf performance hall.

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/

tom dunphy’s classic country music show returns to the richmond tavern, oct. 18.

st. marys community players present norm foster’s hilda’s Yard, oct. 16 – nov. 2.

For more information, visit https://www.stmaryscommunityplayers.ca/

the grand theatre presents the play that goes wrong, oct. 14 – nov. 2.

Read our Preview at https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/10/08/the-play-that-goes-wrong-opens-2025-26-season-at-the-grand-theatre/

Check back for more updates throughout the week.

Mavis Productions returns with London’s favorite annual Rocky Horror Show tradition. 

by Richard Young

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

The show opens on Thursday, October 9, and runs through October 18 at the Wolf Performance Hall.

For four incredible years, Mavis Productions has made this moment an October tradition — a night when audiences throw the rules out the window, shout every line, and become part of something bigger than a show.

It’s not just a performance — it’s a celebration.

The music. The madness. The magic.

Every beat, every laugh, every sparkle of glitter is pure Rocky Horror energy. This is your call to let go, dress up, and feel alive.

Because this isn’t just theatre… this is Rocky Horror. Don’t dream it — BE IT.

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 new 2 pm afternoon shows, our classic 7 pm shows, or midnight shows, we know you will shiver with antici…pation!!

If You Go:

What: Mavis Productions presents The Rocky Horror Show 50th Anniversary

When: October 9 – October 18.

Where: Wolf Performance Hall, 251 Dundas St., London, ON

Tickets: Start at $20. https://mavisproductions.ticketspice.com/rockyhorrorlondon

To learn more about Mavis Productions and its other shows, visit The Beat Magazine 2025 Q&A Profile https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/09/22/introducing-mavis-productions-an-interview-with-chase-montgomery/

ITOPA kicks off its 2025/2026 season with Michael G. Wilmot’s 7-10 Split. 

by Richard Young

by Emily Stewart / Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

(Go to ITOPA’s Facebook Page to take advantage of this offer https://www.facebook.com/ingersolltheatre)

After putting 7-10 Split and bowling paraphernalia on the back burner for half a decade, the Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (ITOPA) is finally ready to bring the comedy to the stage. 

The Canadian comedy will run from Oct. 10 to 19. The play focuses on Earl, a former professional bowler constantly in get-rich-quick schemes, and the shenanigans that follow with one particular Internet offer from a wealthy prince claiming he can save Earl’s fortune.

(Pictured: Earl – Adam Tanton. Photo Credit: Brian Tanton)

“If you need a night of absolute laughter and hilarity, this is the show to see,” said director Rebecca McNall. “We are running it in the style of trailer-trash, and it’s just going to be non-stop gags, non-stop hilarious lines. And the cast, you couldn’t ask for a better cast of characters to fill the roles. They just fall into the roles just like it was them. It’s just so good, I love it.” 

The cast includes husband and wife Adam and Becky Tanton, longtime ITOPA performer Crystal Paul, and newcomer Nick Shua. The performance takes place inside the living room of a trailer, and the set dimensions are the same as a house trailer’s living room.

“It’s even more of a challenge, which is fun, to get the blocking and to get them so they’re not just sitting still for the whole thing, so it’s going to be a ball. It’s going to be so much fun,” said McNall, who is thrilled to finally bring the play to the stage. 

ITOPA was to present the play in 2020, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions.

“We’ve had bowling balls and bowling trophies hidden around the theatre for five years because we didn’t want to throw them out because we knew that eventually, 7-10 Split would go on stage, so it feels so great to start bringing everything out,” she said. “It’s awesome.” 

The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances and 2 p.m. for matinee performances. Tickets are $26 for adults, $24 for seniors, $22 for students 12 years old and older, and $10 for students under 12 years old. Every Thursday performance for the 2025/2026 season will have $10 tickets for all seats. 

To purchase tickets, either visit the box office on 88 Thames St., call 519-485-3070, or visit online via www.itopa.ca.

Note: This Review first appeared in the Ingersoll Woodstock Echo, and it is reprinted with the permission of the author and the newspaper. https://www.granthaven.com/woodstock-ingersoll-echo

Check out the Q&A Profile of the Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (ITOPA) elsewhere on The Beat Magazine 2025 website https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/09/15/introducing-ingersoll-theatre-of-performing-arts-itopa/

The Play That Goes Wrong opens 2025/26 Season at the Grand Theatre

by Richard Young

Media Release, October 7, 2025

The hilarious smash-hit on Broadway and in the UK, The Play That Goes Wrong, arrives with a bang at the Grand Theatre and is already extended due to popular demand before even hitting the stage.

Dennis Garnhum, former Grand Theatre Artistic Director, is set to direct the production with a crack-up company of actors and artists that have already packed theatres throughout Western Canada. The red-carpet opening night of The Play That Goes Wrong on Friday, October 17th, officially marks the beginning of the Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 Season: You Are Here, the highly anticipated second season in the hands of Grand Theatre Artistic Director Rachel Peake. 

“Whether it’s the magical kingdom of Arendelle, magic realism, or the magical power of community, so much of our 2025/26 season at the Grand is about the magic of theatre. The Play That Goes Wrong is a love letter to just that,” shares Peake. “This show has more tricks in it than any other show. And yet, what makes it so funny and delicious and appealing is not so much those outstanding effects, but instead the very human drive to go on with the show.”

(Pictured: The Grand Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rachel Peake)

The Play is a play about a play – and that play within the play goes terribly, horribly, hysterically wrong every single night, live on stage. If you work in the theatre, it’s your nightmare on repeat. If you’re in the audience, you’re in for the laugh of a lifetime. 

“If the cast and crew let the problems stop the show and sent us all home, it would be a tragedy. But they don’t. The show goes on, and they make it through. When I first read this play, I cheered for these characters from beginning to end,” shares Garnhum. “I know these people. I love these people. They are my hard-working colleagues, whom I’ve been around my entire life. Their passion is contagious, and the play within the play, The Murder at Haversham Manor, goes down as a triumph simply because they saw it through and never give up despite the world figuratively – perhaps literally, definitely hilariously – tumbling down around them.”

Director Dennis Garnhum talks about The Play That Goes Wrong at the Grand Theatre in this video clip. https://youtu.be/Swo0-W53lCI?si=ly9PzOQh5ZbbzdKw

Even as audience members are finding their seats, the cast is already in character and buzzing throughout the theatre, frantic about the opening night of Murder at Haversham Manor. It’s 1922, and the very fictional Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is everything except prepared.

(Pictured: Photo by Nanc Price for The Citadel Theatre’s production of The Play That Goes
Wrong (2024), in partnership with Theatre Calgary and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre,
featuring Vanessa Leticia Jetté and Honey Pha)

Alexander Ariate plays Jonathan (who plays Charles Haversham), Izad Etemadi and Emily Meadows play Stage Crew (who play Stage Crew), Vanessa Leticia Jetté plays Sandra (who plays ‘Florence Colleymoore’), Andrew MacDonald-Smith plays Max (who plays ‘Cecil Haversham’ as well as ‘Arthur’), Jawon Mapp plays Robert (who plays ‘Thomas Colleymoore’), Bernardo Pacheco plays Trevor (Cornley Polytechnic’s lighting and sound operator), Honey Pham plays Annie (Cornley’s stage manager but also sometimes plays ‘Florence Colleymoore’ whether Sandra likes it or not), John Ullyatt plays Dennis (who plays ‘Perkins’), and Daniela Vlaskalic plays Krista (who directs the play within the play, and also plays ‘Inspector Carter’). Got that? Good! 

(Pictured: Photo by Nanc Price for The Citadel Theatre’s production of The Play That Goes
Wrong (2024), in partnership with Theatre Calgary and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre,
featuring Andrew MacDonald-Smith, Joel Schaefer, Vanessa Leticia Jetté, and Daniela
Vlaskalic)

This Olivier Award-winning comedy offers a hilarious glimpse into the absolute worst-case scenarios that can unfold in the world of theatre. Premiering in 2012 in the UK, it went on to run over 745 performances on Broadway. Garnhum has helmed the production at the Citadel Theatre (Edmonton), Theatre Calgary, and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (Winnipeg), and now plans to unleash its chaos in London at the Grand.

Garnhum is joined by Fight & Movement Director Morgan Yamada, Set Designer Beyata Hackborn, Costume Designer Joseph Abetria, Lighting Designer Kimberly Purtell, Sound Designer Dave Pierce, with Donovan Siedle, and Stage Manager Jordan Guetter.

If You Go:

What: The Play That Goes Wrong

Where: On the Spriet Stage, The Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London, ON

When: October 14 to November 2

Tickets: Single tickets range from $25 to $97 and are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519.672.8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street. 

For more information about The Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 Season, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/

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

by Richard Young

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/

Introducing Theatre Tillsonburg

by Richard Young

This is the twenty-second in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile Theatre Tillsonburg.

Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why? 

Theatre Tillsonburg was founded in 1981 by the following people: Tom Heeney, Dennis Noonan, Laurel Beechey, Peter Beechey, Darlene Murray, and Lorne Boyd.

This group of people came together to create a local theatre group with a Board of Directors, a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers with no paid staff, dedicated to crafting good, wholesome entertainment. The first shows were presented in the local community centre, until the spring of 1990, when the current building was purchased. Numerous renovations were required to transform the former Hungarian Hall into the theatre it is today. Once the building was purchased, the group wanted to distinguish between the group and the building, so a contest was held to name the building. The winning name was The Otter Valley Playhouse, and the person who chose the name received a lifetime supply of theatre tickets, which she continues to use today.

Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both? 

Theatre Tillsonburg is a not-for-profit community theatre.

Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?

All Theatre Tillsonburg shows are staged in the Otter Valley Playhouse.

Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose? 

The Mission of the theatre shall be to provide a creative outlet and venue for quality entertainment and opportunities for education in areas of theatre craft for members and the surrounding community.

The Purpose of the theatre is to:

  • Promote and develop amateur theatre in Tillsonburg and surrounding communities.
  • Provide the community with a year-round schedule of live theatre to enrich the cultural life and serve the entertainment needs of the community.
  • Welcome and provide a vocational opportunity for all volunteers interested in the theatre arts to participate in the many activities of community theatre.
  • Assist other dramatic and cultural groups in the community, as well as cooperate with other theatres within and beyond our community.
  • Accept gifts, bequests, donations, and legacies, and expend all monies received to promote the Theatre and its objectives.
  • Maintain in a safe and functional manner and provide improvements to the building owned by the theatre.
  • Remain an amateur and not-for-profit organization.

Q. Does your company have a Board and paid staff?

We have a Board of Directors, and there are no permanent paid staff members.

Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?

Our 25/26 season consists of the following three plays:

Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – November 20-30, 2025

Hilda’s Yard – February 18-March 1, 2026

Having Hope at Home – May 28 – June 7, 2026.

It is a season for everyone. We also run a summer camp for children.

Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Could you tell me a little bit about each?

Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is a festive comedy full of mischief, music, and holiday magic! A mouse, an elf, and a spunky young girl team up to help Santa save Christmas in this wildly entertaining holiday adventure. Packed with clever wordplay, wild characters, and heartwarming cheer, it’s the perfect outing for the whole family.

Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?

We have had patrons and cast members come from London, and we are thrilled to be part of an integrated community theatre experience.

For more information about Theatre Tillsonburg, visit https://www.theatretillsonburg.com/

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