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, although I do remember the occasional mention in Monday Magazine.
Timothy Gosley is a well known puppeteer (the Muppets, Fraggle Rock, Sesame Street), playwright, and son of long-time Victoria entertainer Jerry Gosley (famous for The Smile Show – a vaudeville, British music hall review that ran until the late 1970s). Tim left town as a young man, to return in 2005 with his family.
Now, together with Kixmoeller, he teaches puppetry and drama workshops, and hosts magnificent evenings of entertainment in the theatre they have renamed Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre.
I knew of Tim’s puppetry work, and saw him at many shows and openings. My curiosity got the better of me, and I asked to view the theatre. Tim and Petra graciously made time to welcome me into their home, and chatted about their vision for a creative space, small and intimate. One where professionals and community members can showcase their work, and children can explore new creative outlets.
Previous shows have included: Julian Cervello and Canterbury Cocktails as a Fringe fundraiser, Clayton Jevne’s Moscow Stations, jazz vocalist Carol Sokoloff and many more.
Patrons are asked, due to the fact that Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre is located in a residential neighbourhood, to reduce their impact on street parking by taking public transit, walking, or parking (after hours) at Margaret Jenkins School (close by).
For further information on workshops and shows, or to be placed on the email list, please contact Tim or Petra at 250.598.7488 or email timgosley@telus.net
Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre is located at 1983 Fairfield Road, Victoria BC.
About @lacouvee
Again thank you Janis, you are a kind service to the theatrical community.
Tim
There are so many hard-working people in the performing arts community. Many are unknown to the general public. If my social media presence can help spread the word – I am happy!
Hi Tim,
Would there be any film or such of your fathers The Smile Show around town or the archives.
Many Thanks B.J.(Barney)Barnes.
I’ve forwarded this to Tim!
Hi Tim,
Just wanted to visit your site and say that I look forward to seeing you at the Creatively United for the Planet Festival in April.
Were you able to get the grant you were hoping for?
Our Peace Run Festival is still planned for Friday June 27 – tentatively on the grounds of the Parliament Buildings downtown from around 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. The timing may change as the ceremony is growing and may be at lunch time (the US running team is arriving on the Coho Ferry at 10:20 am).
I have your Puppets for Peace as confirmed.
We will be working with some schools ahead of time (you mentioned some interest here) so I’ll be contacting you if something works out that you could do a puppet making session at a school.
Thanks so much and I’ll see you soon,
Narmada
250.590.0495