SKAMpede celebrates 10 years July 13-15 2018 in Victoria BC

SKAMpede celebrates 10 years July 13-15 2018 in Victoria BC SKAMpede (originally known as Bike Ride) is Theatre SKAM's 10th annual outdoor live performance festival along the Galloping Goose in Victoria BC.  And, for the very first time, and in celebration of ten years--it is FREE. Audiences gather at the HUB 360 Harbour Road, and take off in small groups to see up to 16 different mini shows (this can take up to four hours), ranging from … [Read more...]

The Drawer Boy at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 3-15. 2018. A review.

The Drawer Boy at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 3-15. 2018. A review. The Drawer Boy—written by award-winning playwright Michael Healey in 1996 about the experience of The Farm Show—an early (1972) experiment in community-based theatre, where actors created shows based on the lives of Ontario farmers—and currently at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre until July 15th, is a riveting homage to an homage—a modern re-telling of what has itself … [Read more...]

The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review.

The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review. Under a lowering sky, brimming with the promise of pent-up rain, a feral being (an impressive Trevor Hinton as Caliban), clothed in rags and tatters, galumphs across a dry and rocky landscape—then, quickly seizing upon a small furry creature, proceeds to kill and eat it—raw. Welcome to The Tempest at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival. Director Chelsea Haberlin … [Read more...]

Pericles the Hopeful Mariner at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review.

Pericles the Hopeful Mariner at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. A review. Can anything compare to a beautiful summer evening, seated warm and cozy under the towering Garry Oaks of Camosun College’s Lansdowne campus, to hear the immortal words of the Bard of Avon?  It’s one of my favourite theatrical experiences—one shared by many, whether fervent Shakespeare aficionados or newcomers. It’s easy to imagine, when the narrator of … [Read more...]

Theatre Al Dente presents their first annual Summer Dinner Theatre Experience

Theatre Al Dente presents their first annual Summer Dinner Theatre Experience. Preview. For several summers, members of Sidney's Peninsula Players wrote and performed original musicals at Muse Winery.  Muse has now changed hands and is the Deep Cove Winery and the players have decided to create a new theatre company—Theatre Al Dentre—especially for the purpose of performing summer dinner theatre.  Bringing an executive producer--Steve Duck … [Read more...]

Andrew Bailey presents Brain Machine one night only July 9th 2018 in Victoria BC

Andrew Bailey presents Brain Machine one night only July 9th 2018 in Victoria BC. Preview. Now that Andrew Bailey has departed Victoria for Vancouver, it is rare to have him back on local stages except during festivals like the Fringe or UNO Fest, and on occasion performing with Atomic Vaudeville.  I read about his Vancouver shows with anticipation and regularly ask when we'll have the chance to see his latest work.  Wait no longer eager … [Read more...]

Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. Interview with Artistic Director Karen Lee Pickett.

Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival 2018. Interview with Artistic Director Karen Lee Pickett. The Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival celebrates their 28th year in 2018. Now firmly established in the repertory model since 2014 under the artistic directorship of Karen Lee Pickett, they benefit from two professional mentor actors—this year, Trevor Hinton who audiences will remember from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons, and new to the … [Read more...]

The Drawer Boy at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 3-15,2018. Cast interview.

The Drawer Boy at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 3-15,2018. Cast interview. First a note—it’s draw-er boy, a boy who draws, not drawer boy, a boy in a drawer as I imagined it to be. “¨Perhaps the most successful play in Canadian theatre history and produced world-wide since its premier (at Theatre Passe Muraille) in 1999, this touching comic drama about Southern Ontario rural life explores the power of storytelling in creating and … [Read more...]

Grease at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. A review.

Grease at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. A review. With catchy tunes, toe-tapping rhythms and a story line seared into North American consciousness for forty years, Grease the musical is bound to be a sure-fire hit for any theatre company planning to take advantage of its cross-generational appeal.  Now playing at Chemainus Theatre Festival during the very popular summer season (June 8-September 1, 2018) under the direction of Barbara … [Read more...]

PACIFIC BAROQUE announces the inaugural 2018-2019 series

PACIFIC BAROQUE announces the inaugural 2018-2019 series (media release) Inaugural Season includes J.S. Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier with Angela Hewitt, the Goldberg Variations on the Cathedral Organ, the Complete Bach Cello Suites, A Monteverdi Christmas Vespers with David Fallis, and the 15th Anniversary Edition of the Pacific Baroque Festival led by Artistic Director Marc Destrubé Victoria, BC – The Pacific Baroque Festival, Christ … [Read more...]