Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces Six Theatrical Productions For 2025-26 Season

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has released its lineup for the upcoming 2025-26 season with six theatrical productions slated to run from late September to early May next year, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

The following the shows and dates:

• Opening Night by Norm Foster

  • Directed by Margaret Monis

  • Sept. 19 – Oct. 4

• 291 by Jade O’Keeffe

  • Directed by Lisa Dixon

  • Nov. 1 – 15

• The Emperor’s New Clothes by Gerry McBride based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen

  • Directed by Gerry McBride

  • Dec. 5 - 14, 2025

• Where You Are by Kristen Da Silva

  • Directed by Jerry Allen

  • Jan. 16 - 31, 2026

• Midnight Madness by Dave Carley

  • Directed by Jane Werger

  • Feb. 27 – March 14, 2026

• The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks, Original Direction & Choreography by Susan Stroman

  • Directed by Nate Axcell

  • April 17 – May 3, 2026

The season starts with Opening Night by renowned Canadian playwright Norm Foster, directed by Margaret Monis. This hilarious play takes audiences on a journey behind the scenes of a chaotic theatre premiere. Get ready for twists and turns, sharp wit and great characters.

Adding a dramatic twist, 291, written by local playwright Jade O’Keeffe and directed by Lisa Dixon, brings a touch of historical intrigue with a locally written piece that delves into the letters between acclaimed artist Georgia O’Keeffe and her lover, photographer Alfred Stieglitz. This original work highlights the artistry and emotion behind one of history’s most famous creative couples.

As the holiday season approaches, families can enjoy the beloved children's production of The Emperor's New Clothes, written and directed by Gerry McBride. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, this adaptation promises to be full of humour and enchantment for audiences of all ages.

Where You Are by Kristen Da Silva, directed by Jerry Allen, is a comedy that features a heartwarming tale of love, family, and unexpected second chances in a charming, small-town setting.

Midnight Madness by Peterborough Native, Dave Carley, is a romantic comedy about two former classmates who unexpectedly reunite at a furniture store’s going-out-of-business sale.

For those who love a musical spectacle, the season rounds out with the electrifying production of Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, directed by Nate Axcell. This hilarious parody of the horror genre promises electrifying choreography, clever wordplay and big belly laughs.

Season and individual show tickets will be available starting July 1 through the box office and online.

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Photos: Trent Valley Archives Brings Peter Robinson's Story On Bicentennial Anniversary to Princess Gardens

On the bicentennial anniversary of Peter Robinson's Settler Emigration Scheme, Trent Valley Archives Theatre brought the production of his story to Princess Gardens Retirement Residence on Wednesday night.

Eddy Sweeney (left), Abba Koshka (middle) and Kaza Hesselink (right) in their respective roles as David, Mary and Tim in the third act. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Commemorating the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson immigration, the story takes place on one of the nine ships. It depicts the events at the end of a six-week voyage off the Quebec shore in the St. Lawrence River.

The production showed its third act for the seniors of the residence. Andrew Mills directs the play.

Roughly 2,024 Irish settlers were sent to Peterborough as part of the British government’s assisted emigration program for destitute Irish families.

Live productions are available to the public at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on May 29, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on the 31st.

Tickets can be found on Market Hall’s website.

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Art Gallery of Peterborough Temporarily Closed For Maintenance

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is closed to the public for unscheduled maintenance until Sunday.

File Photo.

It is expected to reopen to the public on Wednesday at its regular hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.  

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Art Gallery of Peterborough Seeking Board and Committee Members

The Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP) is looking for art lovers and enthusiasts to support the gallery by joining the Board of Directors and/or the Fundraising and Development Committee.

File Photo.

These roles help ensure the Art Gallery of Peterborough offers programs that speak to the community and have an impact on the future of culture in the region.

Applications are due April 16.

Since 1974, the AGP has showcased extraordinary artwork produced by artists from within our community and beyond. The gallery offers enriching educational experiences for all ages and has built a strong permanent collection to reflect the vibrancy of our community, while keeping pace with emerging currents in the practice of contemporary art.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Art Gallery of Peterborough's website at agp.on.ca or call 705-743-9179.

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New Temporary Exhibit For Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum & Archives is hosting a new temporary exhibit, curated by students from Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship program, beginning on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

‘Collecting Memories: Objects that Define Us’ explores a fresh perspective on storytelling through objects. According to press release, the exhibit encourages visitors to think about why objects on exhibit at the Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) are part of the permanent collection, and why those objects were donated, accepted, treasured and preserved.  

“Every year Fleming College's Museum Management and Curatorship students work collaboratively as a team to research, write, plan and design a new exhibit for the Peterborough Museum & Archives,” said Dr. Amy Barron, Fleming College program coordinator of heritage programs. “This year's exhibit captures the very meaning of why these students are inspired to learn to work in museums, because it is in the objects that we all cherish and keep that a community's collective memories are told.”

The exhibit is on display in the Heideman Gallery until June 15. An official opening will take place on April 17, from 2 to 4 p.m., with speeches starting at 2:30 p.m.

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Showplace Showcases Results From $66,000 Grant By Ontario Government For Post-Pandemic Impact

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith saw the work of a $66,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant for the Showplace Performance Centre to develop a new strategic plan for moving forward past the impacts created by the pandemic, on Thursday.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This funding from the Provincial Government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, has played a crucial role in the strategic planning of Showplace Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This Performance Centre is a cornerstone of our community, providing arts, culture, and live entertainment for individuals of all ages.”

The 18-month grant has allowed Showplace to bring in outside expertise to develop the plan and help with the costs of hosting focus meetings and helping with promotion and administrative costs.

Ken Doherty, past board chair, presented the plan to an audience, unveiling a new vision, mission and values to carry Showplace into its next era as Peterborough’s premier destination for arts, culture and live entertainment.

“The Ontario Trillium Foundation knows that Showplace helps local artists thrive. Our new strategic plan, with concrete actions and measurable results, will see Showplace grow to be an even more vibrant part of our community,” said Doherty. “As we look to the future, partners like Trillium will help us engage new audiences and hold our spot as Peterborough’s premier choice for live entertainment.”

The full plan can be viewed below:

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces New Year Production 'Outside Mullingar' For January/February

The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s first production of the new year, ‘Outside Mullingar’ has been announced with 10 shows scheduled spanning from late January to early February.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Shows are occurring on Jan. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and Feb. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 at the Peterborough Theatre Guild. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., while matinees (Jan. 26, Feb. 2) are at 2 p.m.

Anthony and Rosemary are two introverted misfits straddling 40. Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that—due to his painful shyness—suits him well. Rosemary lives right next door, determined to have him, watching the years slip away. With Anthony’s father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. In this very Irish story with a surprising depth of poetic passion, the journey of eccentric souls is heartbreaking, funny as hell, and ultimately deeply moving. Outside Mullingar is a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love.

Tickets range from $20 to $30 (including fees) and are available online or by phone at (705) 745-4211.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces 'Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical' As Next Production For November/December

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its next production, ‘Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical’ which will run 9 shows spanning late November and early December.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Shows are occurring on Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. while matinees (Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8) are at 2 p.m. at the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Dorothy Gale has made her way to the end of the Yellow Brick Road and the wonderful Wizard of Oz is just about to help her get back home to Kansas. But before she can hop into the wizard’s balloon, another whirlwind appears over the Emerald City, sweeping Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion away to Wonderland. Equipped with their new assets — brains, heart and courage — Dorothy’s friends try to help her find her way home, meeting many other interesting characters along the way, including Alice, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, March Hare, the Cheshire Cat and many more. They also must face a dangerous new foe — the Queen of Hearts.

Tickets are $15 for any seat and are available online or by phone at (705) 745-4211.

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The Chemong Portage 'Right of Way' Project Installation Nears Completion

A new public art installation, Right of Way, featuring work from Indigenous artists celebrating the traditional Chemong Portage route, is being installed and will be completed this month.

Right of Way is the latest project funded through the City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program. File Photo.

It is a commemorative project featuring works by Indigenous artists Tia Cavanagh, David Beaucage Johnson, Yvonne Garbutt, William Kingfisher, Josh Morley and Nuin Tara Wilson.

The City of Peterborough commissioned the artists to create original artwork for vinyl wraps to be installed on traffic signal cabinets and electrical supply boxes at intersections close to what is thought to be the traditional route of the Chemong Portage. Each artwork represents a traveller on the route. Together, the project tells the portage story and makes history visible says Shelley M. Knott, the City's Advisor, Indigenous Relations.

“Right of Way serves as a powerful bridge between past and present, visually highlighting deep connections to land and space while honouring Indigenous people along the historic Chemong Portage,” she said. “It invites both residents and visitors to connect with and respect the enduring legacy of this route.”

The route begins at Dalhousie and George Streets and continues north through downtown, crossing intersections along George and Water Streets until it reaches Brock Street. From there, it veers west, weaving to Parkhill and Chemong roads. It then follows Chemong Road to Broadway Boulevard.

“Public art transforms everyday spaces into places of meaning and connection. Right of Way beautifies our city and honours the stories and culture of the Indigenous peoples who travelled the Chemong Portage. It’s a celebration of history, told in vivid, modern form, that invites everyone to reflect and engage,” said Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Lesley Parnell.

Installation began in September and is expected to be completed in mid-November.

Finishing touches include mounting an information panel and portage map at each intersection. The panel also features links to an audio recording of ‘The Story of the Chemong Portage’ by Gidigaa Miigizi (Doug Williams), read by Anne Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation. The recording is in Anishinaabemowin and English. 

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces Fall Production 'Mary's Wedding' For 10 Shows In October and November

Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its second production of the season, ‘Mary's Wedding' with ten dates slated for October and November, announced on Monday.

Justine Christensen as Mary/Flowers (left) and Eddie Sweeney as Charlie (right). Photo courtesy and PeterborougH Theatre Guild.

Two matinee shows are at 2 p.m. and evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. Opening night begins on Oct. 25, and the final show is on Nov. 9.

The show runs on the following dates: Oct. 25, 26, 27* 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3* 7, 8, and 9.

*denotes matinee performances

Stephen Massicotte wrote the production, which is described as a ‘beautiful play with a heart as big as the skies’ that serves as its stage. According to a press release, Mary’s Wedding is an epic, unforgettable story of love, hope, and survival.

The play is directed by Jane Werger and produced by Jennifer Gruer.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and $20 for students. They can be purchased by calling (705) 745-4211 or visiting Peterborough Theatre Guild’s website.

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