A Fall of Theatre in Victoria BC 2013

A Fall of Theatre in Victoria BC 2013. November 26, 2013. Click for  late November December shows. Fall has arrived, and one of the busiest theatre seasons in my recent memory begins. There are 17 shows (at last count) running in October alone.  Rather than keep you waiting, I've decided to publish this post in preliminary fashion with dates up to the end of October. I'll add November and December shortly. We barely had a chance to … [Read more...]

Vancouver Fringe 2013 – suggestions (mostly) from the Victoria Fringe

Vancouver Fringe Festival 2013 suggestions (mostly) from the Victoria Fringe It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say I’m a bit of a Fringe fanatic – over the years since I got back in to fringing, I’ve gone from seeing a handful of shows to 33 shows at this year’s Victoria Fringe Festival. Here are my recommendations for shows that were in Victoria this year (or last), either at the Fringe Festival, Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Fest, or the Belfry … [Read more...]

Samsara by Sacred Centre Dance Company September 7 2013

The Sacred Centre Dance Company presents Samsara at the McPherson Playhouse, Saturday September 7, 2013. I first heard of founder Nath Keo in the 2000s when he had a small dance studio in a heritage home on Fort Street. Later, I was re-acquainted with his work when he presented at the Light on Our Feet fundraiser organized by Holly Vivian. Join Nath and his team of dancers for Samsara, Saturday September 7th at the McPherson … [Read more...]

University Centre Farquhar Auditorium 2013 2014 Season

The University Centre Farquhar Auditorium presents an exciting line-up for the 2013-14 season. “We’re pleased to announce our 2013-14 season,” said Ian Case, Director of the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium.  “We’re offering a world-class lineup of performances, bringing both top rated Canadian and internationally renowned artists to the Farquhar Auditorium.” The 2013-14 line-up includes presentations of Canadian singer songwriter Ron … [Read more...]

Victoria Fringe Festival 2013 – my “away” picks

I'm a bit of a Fringe fanatic, seeing between 30 and 40 shows in any given year. For my "away" picks, I rely heavily on research, knowledge of past performances, and a network of fellow-Fringers (including Ottawa's Brian M Carroll who has greatly informed this year's picks). As always though, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, and take chances on shows you might not normally see - don't depend only on my picks; my tastes might … [Read more...]

Victoria Fringe Festival 2013 – my “local” picks

When it comes to the Victoria Fringe, I’m a mere baby fringer. It wasn’t until the 20th anniversary in 2006 that I really got involved in this two week long festival of alternative live performance.  I love the buzz, and hanging out with fellow volunteers, performers and like-minded “fringe addicts”.  I see between 30 and 40 shows at the Victoria Fringe, and another 50 – 60 shows during the year.  Here are my “local” picks based on performances … [Read more...]

Theatre SKAM presents Smalltown A Pickup Musical August 13 – 25 2013. A review.

Theatre SKAM presents Smalltown A Pickup Musical, August 13 -25, 2013. If you grew up watching the antics of Rocky, Bullwinkle, Boris and Natasha on Saturday morning cartoons, or flickering silent films where the dastardly moustache-twirling villain tied pretty heroines to train tracks, you’ll feel right at home with the broad-brushed characters in Theatre SKAM’s Smalltown: A Pickup Musical (playing to August 25th in the Vic High field by the … [Read more...]

Sip and Savour August 24, 2013 in Sidney BC

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 2014. Stay tuned for more details. Sip and Savour August 24, 2013 in Sidney BC in conjunction with the North Saanich Flavour Trail (August 23-25). It's the time of the year to partake of all the bounty our wonderful region has to offer. New this year, TIDES Group has created Sip and Savour at the Mary Winspear Centre. Featuring wines and cider by de Vine Vineyard, Muse Winery, Dragonfly Hill … [Read more...]

Aventa Ensemble presents Marilyn Forever, a world premiere Sept 13/14 in Victoria BC

Aventa Ensemble presents the world première of Gavin Bryars opera, Marilyn Forever, in Victoria BC September 13/14, 2013. I had (ashamedly) never heard of the critically acclaimed and local new-music ensemble Aventa before an insert for the upcoming world première of their commissioned opera, Marilyn Forever, arrived with a local art gallery’s regular mailers. Intrigued, I contacted artistic director Bill Linwood to learn more. The … [Read more...]

Mustard Seed’s Fair Start School Supply Program accepting donations

Have you ever had to shop for school supplies? For most families, it's a significant expense as they prepare for the return to school. For some families, already feeling financial pressure, it's one more thing they cannot reasonably afford.  The Mustard Seed's Fair Start School Supply Program provides support with packages of school supplies. Started 16 years ago by Linda Matthews and Vera Webb, and carried on by a team of staff and volunteers … [Read more...]