4th Line Theatre Announces Casting For the 2026 Summer Season

4th Line Theatre has announced the casting for its 34th season this summer.

Wild Irish Geese. photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

This season will feature two plays from the theatre’s canon of work: Leanna Brodie’s Schoolhouse, directed and choreographed by Monica Dottor, and Megan Murphy’s Wild Irish Geese, directed by Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell.

Schoolhouse will feature Alex Pearce, who is making her 4th Line Theatre debut in the role of Miss. Linton. Others that are making their debut to the 4th Line stage include Alexei DeLuca and Rainbow Kester. Returning to 4th Line for the production are Robert Winslow, Mark Hiscox, Darragh O'Connell, Padrick Wilson, Jasper Chesser and Indigo Chesser. The cast will feature 28 professional and volunteer actors/musicians.

Megan Murphy will lead the cast of her play Wild Irish Geese in the role of the Seanchaí, a Gaelic word for a traditional storyteller. Returning to the 4th Line stage in Wild Irish Geese are M. John Kennedy as Peter Robinson, Patti Shaughnessy, who also worked on the play as Indigenous Story Consultant, Matt Gilbert, Mark Hiscox, Sebastian Sage, Mikayla Stoodley, Lindsay Wilson, Paul Crough, Stew Granger, Nancy Towns and musician Fiddlin’ Jay (Jason Edmunds). Making his 4th Line debut is Isaac Harrop in the role of Sean Sullivan. Crough, Murphy, Shaughnessy, Towns and Kennedy are all descendants of Peter Robinson emigrants. The cast will feature 29 professional and volunteer actors/musicians.

"I am thrilled to welcome an extraordinary group of artists to our 2026 season,” says Blackwell. “This year’s company brings together a vibrant blend of returning favourites and compelling new voices, each contributing their own distinct perspective, talent and energy. I cannot wait for audiences to experience the power, imagination and magic they will bring to life on our stage this summer."

schoolhouse. photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

Set in 1938 in rural Ontario, Schoolhouse unfolds within S.S. #1 Jericho, a one-room school just outside the fictional village of Baker’s Creek. When 18-year-old Melita Linton, newly graduated from Normal School, takes on her first teaching position, she encounters a lively group of students and a community rooted in tradition. Her resolve is tested by the arrival of Ewart, a withdrawn youth recently released from a reform school and sent to work on a local farm. As Miss. Linton strives to reach him, she uncovers the deep bonds and quiet fears of small-town life. Rich with humour and humanity, Schoolhouse beautifully evokes a vanished era in Canadian rural history.

Schoolhouse will run from June 30 to July 25.

Wild Irish Geese is the story of Irish settlers and their journey to the Peterborough region. Peter Robinson was the architect of an 1820s emigration plan which saw hundreds of Irish families come to Canada to escape the brutal poverty which they were facing in Ireland. Eventually over 2,000 impoverished Irish settled in Scotts Plains, later renamed Peterborough and began their lives anew. These new Canadians planted deep roots in the Peterborough area and have thousands of descendants both locally and across the globe.

Wild Irish Geese will run from August 4 to 29.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office, or toll-free, visit the website, email or visit the Box Office & Administrative Centre (9 Tupper Street, Millbrook)

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New Stages Presents Paul and Linda Plan a Threesome

New Stages Theatre presents “Paul and Linda Plan a Threesome,” coming to the Market Hall stage on May 2 and 3.

photo courtesy of new stages.

After a sold-out run at Stratford’s Here for Now Festival, Jane Cooper Ford’s new comedy is coming to Peterborough.

A successful and serious couple, Paul and Linda, aim to shake up their stale marriage by planning a threesome, much like they might plan a dinner party. Things don’t go quite as they planned, however, and a night of spicy hilarity ensues.

The cast includes Kerry Griffin as Paul, Megan Murphy as Linda, Kate Suhr as Sienna and Linda Kash as Gwen. The show is directed by New Stages Artistic Director Mark Wallace and stage managed by Shannon McKenzie LeBlanc, with costume and set design by Jen Naus.

“Paul and Linda Plan a Threesome is a clever play about the importance of love, relationships, marriage and communication with one’s partner,” says reviewer Lynn Slotkin.

The show will run on May 2 at 7 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St.) for approximately 70 minutes. The show is for ages 16 plus.

To purchase tickets, visit the website or call the Market Hall box office. 

Tickets are $30 plus a $4 venue fee (sliding-scale ticketing options include a $20 welcome rate and a $40 pay-it-forward rate). 

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4th Line Theatre Presents Artist Talk Series Wth Patti Shaughnessy and Megan Murphy

4th Line Theatre’s spring Artist Talk series returns on April 18 and 30 featuring conversations with Patti Shaughnessy and Megan Murphy.

Patti Shaughnessy. photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

The 2026 summer season will feature the remount of Megan Murphy’s Wild Irish Geese, which had its world premiere at the outdoor theatre in 2025. Shaughnessy provided her guidance in the development of the script as an Indigenous Story Consultant and performs in the show in multiple roles. Directed and dramatuged by Kim Blackwell, the show returns after its sell-out run in August 2025.

On April 18 attendees can learn about Shaughnessy’s career and journey through Wild Irish Geese. This free event will take place at the Peterborough Museum & Archives at 2 p.m.

Megan murphy. photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

On April 30, Blackwell will sit down with playwright and actor Megan Murphy to discuss Murphy’s career and experience writing and performing Wild Irish Geese. The play tells the story of impoverished Catholic Irish settlers who came to the Peterborough region in the early 19th century under an emigration plan overseen by Peter Robinson, a politician in Upper Canada who represented the riding of York and Simcoe. Around 2,500 settlers, mostly from County Cork in Ireland, settled in Lanark County, Carleton County (today Ottawa), and Scott’s Plains; later renamed Peterborough.

This free event will take place at the Millbrook & District Lion’s Community Centre on April 30 at 7 p.m.

Both Shaughnessy and Murphy are direct descendants of Peter Robinson emigrants.

Seating is limited for both events. To reserve seats, call 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office or contact via email.

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The Peterborough Theatre Guild Presents Young Frankenstein

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has introduced its next production: The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein, with opening night on April 17.

photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild.

The story follows Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein. When Frederick inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania, he finds himself drawn into the mad science legacy he tried so hard to escape. With the help of a hunchbacked assistant, Igor, and a spirited lab assistant, Inga, Frederick reluctantly follows in his grandfather’s footsteps and soon discovers the thrill of bringing a creature to life.

The musical features numbers like “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” as Young Frankenstein delivers a night of monstrously good entertainment.

Due to mature themes and content, Young Frankenstein is recommended for audiences 16 years and older.

Show dates include April 17, 18, 19 (matinee), 23, 24, 25, 26 (matinee), 30 and May 1, 2, 3 (matinee). Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and matinees begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St.)

Tickets range from $27 to $42, including fees and can be purchased on their website or by calling the box office.

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New Stages Theatre Presents 3rd Annual Brand New Stages Festival Starting Feb. 24

New Stages presents its 3rd annual Brand New Stages festival, bringing new Canadian works to the stage with 7 plays in 6 days and over 40 artists featured at 2 venues from Feb. 24 to Mar. 1.

All photos courtesy of new stages.

From gripping dramas to absurd comedies and family-focused fare, there is something for everyone at the Brand New Stage Festival. New Stages promises a community of local and national theatre artists gathering to develop new work for the stag.

The festival includes 3 main stage shows at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and 4 events at The Theatre on King (TTOK).

The Cull

A staged reading by Michele Riml and Michael St. John Smith

Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at Market Hall

A group of old friends gather to celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary in the B.C. mountains, where wildfires burn, secrets spill out and a wolf cull is underway. First produced by Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre, The Cull is a timely modern drama in an exciting new stage of development.

Directed by Peter Pasyk (Hamlet at the Stratford Festival, Old Times with Soulpepper), The Cull is a powerful new drama with a powerhouse cast, featuring some of Canada’s top talent on stage and screen today: Michael Riley, Tina Jung, Sergio Di Zio, Jenny Young, Matthew Edison and Sarah Wilson. 14+ (strong language)

Munsch Goes Wild

Stories by Robert Munsch, adapted and performed by M. John Kennedy. Directed by Dahlia Katz

Mar. 1, 10:30 a.m. at Market Hall

A fun one for the family! Join M. John Kennedy on a Sunday morning for an all-new, high-octane theatrical storytelling event for the young (and young at heart)! Featuring four of Robert Munsch’s most beloved tales, told in the most creative and energetic ways. If you saw Fireside Munsch in 2025, these are all-new stories being told. Every seat is just $12.50 all-in, incl. venue fees. 4+ (silly language)

12 Dinners

A staged reading by Steve Ross, directed by Randy Read

Mar. 1, 7 p.m. at Market Hall

An acclaimed semi-autobiographical play about a series of dinners that Steve shared with his parents during a particularly eventful time in their lives. Directed by founding Artistic Director Randy Read, 12 Dinners showcases Steve Ross’ meteoric emergence as an exciting Canadian playwright. Previously produced at Stratford’s Here for Now Festival and in Barrie with Talk is Free Theatre, 12 Dinners is catching the eye of theatres across the country. The reading features the original cast from the Stratford production: Jane Spidell, Geoffrey Pounsett, and Ben Skipper. 12+ (mature themes)

An Evening of One Acts (staged readings)

Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

I Started Collecting Teacups After My Grandma Died

By Ryan Pepper

An interprovincial love affair told through poetic dialogue, friendly banter, and the occasional croaking of frogs. Starring Colin Doyle and Andy Trithardt, directed by Mark Wallace. 14+ (strong language)

Are We Sleeping?

Written and directed by Esther Vincent

Florence, a renowned botanist no longer remembers her life’s work or recognizes her own children. Starring Dianne Latchford, Megan Murphy and Mark Wallace. 14+ (mature themes incl. dementia).

Story Slam 2026

Feb. 25, 8 p.m.

Story Slam 2026 hosted by Megan Murphy. The theme is “Well, that was unexpected.” Experience an evening of communal storytelling. Bring a true story to share (5 minutes max) or sit back and enjoy. All are welcome to participate.

Kennel

By Katherine Cullen

Feb. 27, 7 p.m.

An absurdly comic staged reading, directed by Mark Wallace. A kitten, a doggie and a guinea pig take the stage, but this play for young audiences goes way off the rails in its search for an ending. Definitely not for young audiences! Starring Hilary Wear, Stew Granger, Amy Keating, Annie Lujn and Jeff Yung. 14+ (strong language)

Picture Day

By Madeleine Brown

Feb. 28, 7 p.m.

It’s picture day at an elementary school, but when the school photographer doesn’t show up, a principal’s lie cascades into a series of disasters, as this brand new farce reaches hilarious heights. Starring Marc Rico Ludwig, Mark Rostrup, Dreda Blow, Linda Kash, Megan Walsh and Oaklen Conroy. 14+ (strong language)

Visit the website for festival info and to buy tickets, or visit the Market Hall and TTOK websites.

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Peterborough-Born Playwright Brings Midnight Madness To The Peterborough Theatre Guild This Month

Canadian playwright and Peterborough native Dave Carley presents Midnight Madness, coming to the Peterborough Theatre Guild starting Feb. 27.

photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild.

The witty and heartfelt comedy is set just minutes before midnight on the final night of Bloom’s Furniture’s going-out-of-business sale. Midnight Madness unfolds in the store’s upstairs bed department where Wesley, the department manager, is closing up for the very last time; alone, overlooked and facing the end of a career that never quite lived up to his hopes.

Then a blast from his past comes charging up the stairs.

When Anna Bregner arrives in Wesley’s domain, she has no idea the salesman is a former classmate. Wesley, however, remembers her all too well. He has kept tabs on all his former classmates. Anna, despite early setbacks, has put herself through law school and returned home to Ashburnham to begin her legal career. Her fresh start collides poignantly with the end of Wesley’s.

As the night unfolds, Anna and Wesley revisit the humiliating high school events that drove them both away before graduation. Together, they discover that some burdens can finally be let go.

Show dates include Feb. 27 and 28, March 1 (matinee), 5, 6, 7, 8 (matinee), 12, 13 and 14. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., while matinees start at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $20 to $30 including fees can be purchased online.

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4th Line Theatre’s Box Office Opens Feb. 9 For Summer Season Ticket Purchases

The 4th Line Theatre box office will open to the public Feb. 9 to purchase play tickets for the theatre’s 2026 Summer Season.

wild irish geese returns to the 4th line stage after its sold-out 2025 premiere. photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

Tickets, gift certificates and charcuterie snack boxes can be purchased by phone, toll-free, online and at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office (9 Tupper Street, Millbrook.)

Schoolhouse

Set in 1938 in rural Ontario, Schoolhouse unfolds within S.S. #1 Jericho, a one-room school just outside the fictional village of Baker’s Creek. When 18-year-old Melita Linton takes on her first teaching position, she encounters a lively group of students and a community rooted in tradition.

Her resolve is tested by the arrival of Ewart, a withdrawn youth recently released from a reform school and sent to work on a local farm. As Miss. Linton strives to reach him, she uncovers the deep bonds and quiet fears of small-town life. Rich with humour and humanity, Schoolhouse beautifully evokes a vanished era in Canadian rural history.

Wild Irish Geese

Back by popular demand after its sold-out 2025 premiere, Wild Irish Geese returns to the 4th Line stage with a powerful story of migration and starting over. In the 1820’s, Peter Robinson led an emigration scheme that brought hundreds of Irish families to Canada as they fled famine and poverty. More than 2,000 arrived in Scotts Plains (later known as Peterborough) and began their lives anew. Wild Irish Geese reflects on the courage, displacement and enduring spirit of those who journeyed far to survive.

Through hardship and hope, these new Canadians forged a fragile beginning in a complex colonial landscape. Planting deep roots in the Peterborough area, these Irish emigrants now have tens of thousands of descendants both locally and across the globe.

“As we look ahead to our 34th season, we are excited to bring back two amazing plays from the theatre’s canon of work,” says Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “Both productions explore resilience, hope and the universal search for home.”

Visit the website to learn more.

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New Stages Theatre Presents Women of the Fur Trade

New Stages Theatre presents a staged reading of Frances Koncan’s Women of the Fur Trade, coming to Market Hall Jan. 24.

photo courtesy of new stages.

Set in “18 hundred and something-something,” the story revolves around the lives of three women, Ojibwe, Métis and British, all of whom speak in a 21st-century slang.

The playwright, Frances Koncan, found that historical accounts of the fur trade were written by men and decides to feature the perspective of “unheard voices”; three women during the time of the fur trade and the Red River Resistance.

Directed by Patti Shaughnessy, Women of the Fur Trade’s cast includes Michelle Bardach (seen recently in Rez Gas in Port Hope), Sera-Lys McArthur and Megan Murphy, featuring Mac Fyfe as Thomas Scott and Chris Mejaki as Louis Riel. The play is stage managed by Sarah Lazzarino.

The 7 p.m. show runs for approximately two hours and is suitable for ages 14 plus.

Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling the Market Hall box office. If preferred seats are not available, call the box office and join the waiting list, as some new seats may become available in the days leading up to the show.

Tickets are $30 plus a $4 venue fee, available on a sliding-scale of ticketing options.

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Hometown PTBO: Anne Shirley Theatre Company's 'Catch Me If You Can' Production at Market Hall For March 8-23

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with some of the cast and crew of the Anne Shirley Theatre Company and their upcoming production, 'Catch Me If You Can' at Market Hall from March 8 to 23.

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TASSS Students Bringing 'Mean Girls' High School Drama In Theatrical Production For December

The famous film and book ‘Mean Girls’ is being brought to life by the students of Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) in a theatrical production slated for four December dates.

Hannah-Marie Toll (left) and Mattie Davies (right) rehearse for TASSS’s upcoming production of the popular film/book, ‘Mean Girls.” The production is slated for four shows on Dec. 7, 8 and 9 (twice). Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Director Jessica Sisson and music director Michaela Hetherington have been preparing for the production since June — and informed the students then — and have worked diligently to prepare the production for December.

The students have worked equally as hard according to both Sisson and Hetherington.

“We have a certain standard here that we like to meet each year. We help support students and push them towards meeting that standard and they have not disappointed,” said Hetherington. “They give up lunches, after schools, they've given up their evenings; there are some upcoming weekend rehearsals that they're going to have to attend and participate in.”

“For many of them, this is their first time doing something like this so they're learning curve is so substantial,” said Sisson. “For me, that makes it even more rewarding because to watch them go from never having sung on stage to belting out a number as a lead is pretty incredible to watch.”

Twenty-five cast members will receive two course credits for being involved in the production —vocal and acting/dance — and are mainly comprised of Grade 11 students. The workload of acting in a play and juggling other courses teaches time management to the actors and actresses, including grade 11 student Kelly Hoang, who plays Cady Heron as one of the lead roles.

“A lot of it comes down to planning my time and knowing when everything is,” she explained. “If I have an English essay due tomorrow, then maybe I should focus more on that rather than focusing on this which has a further deadline.”

The production has several musical numbers and choreographed dances. Any funds raised from ticket sales and concessions fund the school’s next theatrical production. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

More than 70 students in other grades are contributing to the school’s production.

Grade 12 students are aiding in the play’s development in a production class. Behind-the-scenes work such as stagehands, dressers, ushers and front-of-house concessions are done by Grade 9 and 10 volunteers.

Dance students aided in choreography, the construction class helped create set pieces, those studying fashion did costume design and anyone in media aided in the technology aspect.

“As much as it’s a class that we teach, it is a whole school journey that happens to bring it to the stage,” explained Sisson.

With only eight days away from the first show, the numerous rehearsals and heavy workloads have helped the students bond and create chemistry to provide genuine quality theatre.

“It's been phenomenal,” exclaimed Emma Robertson, Grade 12 student playing Glenn Coco. “We're always complimenting each other which is awesome. I feel very comfortable with the team.”

“We all support each other and cheer each other on,” added Hoang.

Performances are scheduled for the following dates and times:

• Dec. 7: 7 p.m.

• Dec. 8: 7 p.m.

• Dec. 9: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased for $20 through School Cash Online or at the door at TASSS (cash only).

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