Mistletoe Wish at Merlin’s Sun Theatre

Just in time for the holidays comes another announcement from Merlin's Sun Theatre. A Musical Play with Puppets - featuring your favourite crooner Christmas carols. A merry troupe of local singers and actors join puppets in presenting a singalong adaptation of the classic Christmas film Christmas in Connecticut.  Their version is entitled A Mistletoe Wish, and they have incorporated many well-loved "songs of the season", such as … [Read more...]

Merlin’s Sun Theatre – little known theatrical space in Victoria BC

Tucked away in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Fairfield is one of Victoria’s best kept theatrical secrets – a small 50 seat, purpose-built home theatre. Originally known as La Run, and constructed in 1995 by Romany Miller, it is now the home of Timothy Gosley, Petra Kixmoeller and their two children. During its previous incarnation, La Run hosted many readings, and evenings of music. Publicity was mainly word of mouth … [Read more...]

Favourite Christmas and Holiday Movies

View the story "Favourite Christmas Movies" on Storify] … [Read more...]

Holiday traditions – A December of Theatre in Victoria BC

Traditionally, theatre in December could be any number of oft-repeated tales, from  Christmas fare like pantomine and the nativity, to seasonal stories made popular by radio, television or film, or even, regular programming not related to the holiday. A wide range of possibilities is available for theatre-goers in Victoria this December. … [Read more...]

Esquimalt Centennial Kickoff October 8 2011

For over 20 years, Esquimalt was my home, and Saxe Point my neighbourhood. It's here we raised our family and got involved in local grass roots community building and politics.  We loved the small town feel, and the easy access to beaches, a world class rock climbing face, beautiful parks, a recreation centre, library, town square and shopping plaza. My children went to the region's francophone school École Victor-Brodeur … [Read more...]

Vancouver Fringe Festival suggestions (from the Victoria Fringe)

I am not a reviewer, but do see a lot of theatre – 38 shows at this year’s Victoria Fringe Festival (and somehow I managed NOT to see all the shows from Victoria going on to Vancouver).   Here's a list of all the shows from the Victoria Fringe that are coming to Vancouver. The productions are uniformly excellent.  However, my taste in theatre may not be yours. Caveat emptor! I've listed the shows alphabetically, as they are indexed in the … [Read more...]

Shakespeare in the Summer – Victoria BC

The crowd settles in, having gathered blankets, chairs and cushions along the way. Regulars carry extra layers of clothing, including hats, and  even mitts, for evenings outdoors can be brisk in Victoria in July and August. We gather in a field close to a rocky outcropping and Garry Oak meadow remnant at Camosun College, Landsdowne Campus, for Shakespeare in the Summer by the Victoria Shakespeare Society. Families take advantage of free … [Read more...]

Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride

What a way to combine the love of bicycles and theatre!  Have you heard of Bike Ride by Theatre SKAM, held along 3 kilometres of the Galloping Goose in Victoria BC? You still have a weekend to get involved - this Saturday and Sunday July 16th and 17th. Just what happens at Bike Ride, and how did it come about? Theatre SKAM is an alternative Victoria theatre company that was founded in 1995 by 4 UVic grads (Sarah Donald, Karen Turner , … [Read more...]

Five Hole for Food – Help the Mustard Seed Food Bank

It's no secret that a good deal of my news concerning special events comes from social media via Twitter and Facebook. So, when Dixon Tam tweeted me about Five Hole For Food, I was only more than happy to help promote this fundraiser/foodraiser for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. I've known Dixon virtually for several years now; Five Hole For Food is his volunteer commitment. It will be an added bonus to meet him in person. What is Five Hole … [Read more...]

Canada Day Living Flag 2011, Victoria BC

I LOVE Canada Day, and up until quite recently, you would most likely find me involved in the organizing of a community Block Party complete with entertainment, kids activities and BBQ. That all changed when I moved from Esquimalt to Victoria BC a few years back. Now the entire downtown is "my" neighbourhood. The Canada Day celebrations organized by the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) include activities for families, music and a … [Read more...]