Live theatre

VICTORIA FRINGE FEST: There’s always something new to discover on stage

VICTORIA FRINGE FEST: There’s always something new to discover on stage

33rd annual live theatre festival has numerous styles and topics to choose from

VICTORIA FRINGE FEST: There’s always something new to discover on stage
Edwin Wong has created and written a book on a new playwriting form, which he calls the Risk Theatre Model of Tragedy. With the help of Langham Court Theatre, he hosted an international competition for the writing style this year. The winner will workshop their play here in October. Don Descoteau/Monday Magazine

Taking risks: Victoria theatre expert and author gains traction for his new model of tragedy

Edwin Wong releases Risk Theatre book, hosts successful global playwriting competition

  • Aug 20, 2019
Edwin Wong has created and written a book on a new playwriting form, which he calls the Risk Theatre Model of Tragedy. With the help of Langham Court Theatre, he hosted an international competition for the writing style this year. The winner will workshop their play here in October. Don Descoteau/Monday Magazine
Gearing up for their performance in the Victoria Operatic Society’s summer production of Nunsense are (from left) Francesca Bitonti as Sister Mary Hubert, Pam Miller as Reverend Mother Sister Mary Regina, Katie Friesen as Sister Mary Amnesia, Shawna Adams as Sister Robert Anne and Mariah McDonald as Sister Mary Leo. The show runs July 12-14 at the McPherson Playhouse. Courtesy VOS

Irreverent comedy a habit in VOS’ newest show, Nunsense

Musical theatre production by Victoria Operatic Society features three shows in July

  • Jul 8, 2019
Gearing up for their performance in the Victoria Operatic Society’s summer production of Nunsense are (from left) Francesca Bitonti as Sister Mary Hubert, Pam Miller as Reverend Mother Sister Mary Regina, Katie Friesen as Sister Mary Amnesia, Shawna Adams as Sister Robert Anne and Mariah McDonald as Sister Mary Leo. The show runs July 12-14 at the McPherson Playhouse. Courtesy VOS
Blue Bridge brings Neil Simon comedy classic to the stage

Blue Bridge brings Neil Simon comedy classic to the stage

Barefoot in the Park, on July 2-14, enjoyed a run on Broadway before becoming a successful film

  • Jul 2, 2019
Blue Bridge brings Neil Simon comedy classic to the stage
Annual Skampede live theatre event rolls along the Galloping Goose Trail

Annual Skampede live theatre event rolls along the Galloping Goose Trail

Hit the not-so dusty trail with Theatre Skam

  • Jul 2, 2019
Annual Skampede live theatre event rolls along the Galloping Goose Trail
Director Brian Richmond (centre) gives guidance to actors Amanda Lisman (Hilde) and David Ferry (Halvard Solness) in rehearsals for The Master Builder, Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s next production, opening May 28 at the Roxy Theatre. Photo by Rebekah Johnson

Blue Bridge stages modern version of a theatre classic

Ibsen’s The Master Builder touches on aging, feelings of inadequacy, in a contemporary context

  • May 28, 2019
Director Brian Richmond (centre) gives guidance to actors Amanda Lisman (Hilde) and David Ferry (Halvard Solness) in rehearsals for The Master Builder, Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s next production, opening May 28 at the Roxy Theatre. Photo by Rebekah Johnson
Michael Frayn’s rollicking British comedy about a live theatre company’s preparations for an upcoming show, Noises Off, is the finale production for the Langham Court Theatre season. It runs June 5-22. Photo by David Lowes

Madcap British farce comes to Langham Court Theatre

Communty theatre company winds up successful season with Noises Off

  • May 27, 2019
Michael Frayn’s rollicking British comedy about a live theatre company’s preparations for an upcoming show, Noises Off, is the finale production for the Langham Court Theatre season. It runs June 5-22. Photo by David Lowes
The lead characters from Shrek the Musical will delight audience members of all ages in this Victoria Operatic Society production. It takes to the stage at the McPherson Playhouse May 3-12. Image courtesy VOS

VOS transforms the McPherson into a swamp for Shrek The Musical

Victoria Operatic Society’s musical theatre production appeals to all ages

  • Apr 22, 2019
The lead characters from Shrek the Musical will delight audience members of all ages in this Victoria Operatic Society production. It takes to the stage at the McPherson Playhouse May 3-12. Image courtesy VOS
LANGHAM COURT: Four singing heads better than three, when it comes to comedy

LANGHAM COURT: Four singing heads better than three, when it comes to comedy

Ronald Harwood’s British comedy, Quartet next up at neighbourhood theatre in Rockland

  • Apr 14, 2019
LANGHAM COURT: Four singing heads better than three, when it comes to comedy
Heather Burns, musical director; Matthew Howe, director; and Sara-Jeanne Hosie, choreographer, gather around the piano at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. The trio are working with students on the college’s production of West Side Story, which plays April 19-27 at the McPherson Playhouse. (Don Descoteau/Black Press)

Life, career lessons abound in Broadway classic for local students

Canadian College of Performing Arts looks to tell theatre’s West Side Story

Heather Burns, musical director; Matthew Howe, director; and Sara-Jeanne Hosie, choreographer, gather around the piano at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. The trio are working with students on the college’s production of West Side Story, which plays April 19-27 at the McPherson Playhouse. (Don Descoteau/Black Press)
Dave Morris of Paper Street Theatre Co. joins artistic directors from three other companies in working with a hand-picked ensemble of improvisers who will perform at this year’s Improv Festival, April 9-13.

Change is good: 2019 Improv Festival keeping things fresh

Paper Street Theatre Co. switches format, keeps learning and performance front and centre

Dave Morris of Paper Street Theatre Co. joins artistic directors from three other companies in working with a hand-picked ensemble of improvisers who will perform at this year’s Improv Festival, April 9-13.
Belfry Theatre artistic director Michael Shamata unveils the new season Wednesday in the newly renamed BMO Studio Theatre. Don Descoteau/Monday Magazine

WATCH: A red-letter day for The Belfry Theatre

Company unveils new season, new name on studio theatre as part of major funding announcement

Belfry Theatre artistic director Michael Shamata unveils the new season Wednesday in the newly renamed BMO Studio Theatre. Don Descoteau/Monday Magazine
Director Anita Rochon, left is directing the Belfry Theatre’s upcoming production of 4000 Miles by Amy Herzog. The lead roles are played by Brenda Robins (grandmother), centre top, and Nathan Howe (Leo), while Lucy McNulty plays Bec. Photos courtesy Belfry Theatre

Grandma and grandson bond over 4000 Miles on stage at the Belfry

Tender drama focuses on family and romantic relationships, April 9 to May 5

  • Mar 18, 2019
Director Anita Rochon, left is directing the Belfry Theatre’s upcoming production of 4000 Miles by Amy Herzog. The lead roles are played by Brenda Robins (grandmother), centre top, and Nathan Howe (Leo), while Lucy McNulty plays Bec. Photos courtesy Belfry Theatre
Hear all Four Seasons in one this spring with Jersey Boys at the Royal Theatre

Hear all Four Seasons in one this spring with Jersey Boys at the Royal Theatre

Tickets go on sale Friday for hit Broadway musical, playing May 28 to June 2

Hear all Four Seasons in one this spring with Jersey Boys at the Royal Theatre
Craigdarroch Castle makes an ideal venue for hosting murder mysteries. (Keili Bartlett/Black Press)

Paper Street Theatre Company thrills sellout crowds at Craigdarroch

The improv theatre production of Murders on Paper Street winds its way through the castle

Craigdarroch Castle makes an ideal venue for hosting murder mysteries. (Keili Bartlett/Black Press)
Oak Bay High School students during a dress rehearsal for their 2019 performance of Mary Poppins. (Jesse Laufer / News Staff)

Chim Chim Cher‑ee! Mary Poppins is coming to Oak Bay High

Mary Poppins opens Friday, Feb. 22, at the Dave Dunnet theatre

Oak Bay High School students during a dress rehearsal for their 2019 performance of Mary Poppins. (Jesse Laufer / News Staff)
Charles Tidler’s new play 7eventy 7even comes to Theatre Skam’s satellite studio at 849 Fort St. from Feb. 12-24. It combines performance of 77 “microdramas” from Victoria streets and squares with interactive art installations. Photo by Coastal Lifestyles Photography

Noted playwright and Theatre SKAM team up on latest production

Charles Tidler interprets dozens of urban interactions in Victoria with 7eventy 7even

Charles Tidler’s new play 7eventy 7even comes to Theatre Skam’s satellite studio at 849 Fort St. from Feb. 12-24. It combines performance of 77 “microdramas” from Victoria streets and squares with interactive art installations. Photo by Coastal Lifestyles Photography
Amanda Cordner, part of the creative team behind madonnanera, stars in Body So Fluorescent, an exploration of blackness, otherness and oppression. It shows as part of the OUTstages queer theatre festival at Intrepid Theatre on Feb. 8 and 9. Courtesy Intrepid Theatre

Getting OUT with Intrepid Theatre

OUTstages queer theatre festival features packed week of entertainment for fifth anniversary

  • Jan 31, 2019
Amanda Cordner, part of the creative team behind madonnanera, stars in Body So Fluorescent, an exploration of blackness, otherness and oppression. It shows as part of the OUTstages queer theatre festival at Intrepid Theatre on Feb. 8 and 9. Courtesy Intrepid Theatre
Golden Girls get the puppet treatment

Golden Girls get the puppet treatment

Tribute show Thank You For Being a Friend brings TV favourite to McPherson stage

  • Jan 31, 2019
Golden Girls get the puppet treatment
The Trojan Women and their ancient story storm Phoenix Theatre

The Trojan Women and their ancient story storm Phoenix Theatre

UVic theatre department to stage Euripedes’ Greek tragedy about the aftermath of war

  • Jan 28, 2019
The Trojan Women and their ancient story storm Phoenix Theatre