I love theatre that transports me - to another time, to another lifestyle, to a heightened and extreme situation. I want to feel something. I want to laugh. I want to think new thoughts and I want to leave with a spark of hope that makes everything around me look a little different.
The Grand Theatre, in the heart of London, gives us connection. There is the connection you plan for by buying tickets together with a friend, or a date, or your grandchildren; and then there is the “accidental” connection of sharing a look with a stranger after you have both laughed at the same joke, or the conversation struck up with a fellow patron at the bar at intermission. The act of buying a ticket to a live performance is the closest a person can come to a guarantee of those connections.
In programming this, my first season at the Grand, the idea of joy came to the forefront. Highlighting theatre as a place for pleasure. It is indeed A Time for Play. Whether you have subscribed in the past or whether you are considering a first-time visit to the Grand - what I promise in my first season are plays that transport you to another time or place, that make you laugh, that sparkle inside your sense of play.
I look forward to seeing you at the theatre!
RACHEL PEAKE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
high school project program sponsors
Neela Noble as Matilda Wormwood.
Styled by Lisa Wright.
Photography by Mai Tilson.
GRAND
book by
&
by DENNIS KELLY TIM MINCHIN
SEP
17 TO 28
Once upon a time, Matilda Wormwood, an under-appreciated child with an extraordinary mind, sets about to change her own story, and bring hope to the lives of those around her.
But when her scheming, neglectful father enrolls her in Crunchem Hall Elementary School, under the authoritarian leadership of Ms. Trunchbull, Matilda's magical mind is called toward a different, revolting, adventure.
Matilda, based on the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, has been staged from the West End to Broadway, toured around the world and now lands at the Grand Theatre. Matilda and her classmates remind us that all stories can be rewritten; you just have to be a little bit naughty!
"I hope the audience walks away with a feeling of youthfulness, curiousity, and the feeling that more than they thought was possible, is possible"
– MEGAN WATSON, Dir EcTOr.
music
lyrics
Hear from Director, Megan Watson!
Adapted and Directed by
Daryl Cloran
Conceived by
Daryl Cloran & Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
OCT 15 TO NOV 2
Banished from court, and newly disguised, Rosalind escapes into the forest for a groovy, pastoral adventure. There, she runs into her love Orlando (whose loyalty she works to test).
As the couple navigates the long and winding road, with a price on their heads, colourful characters in their midst, mistaken identities to navigate, and a scheming businesswoman on their tails, it becomes clear that love may not be “all you need.”
Re-set in Canada’s Okanagan Valley in the 1960s, Daryl Cloran’s adaptation of As You Like It combines one of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies, with the vibrant escapism of the hippie generation, and a psychedelic medley of The Beatles’ greatest hits.
A bonafide hit in Chicago, Washington, and Vancouver, As You Like It makes its Ontario premiere at the Grand Theatre, joyously celebrating love in all its forms, twists, and shouts.
"If audiences can walk away from this show with a song in their heart and a belief in our shared humanity, then we've done our job."
Hear from the Adaptor and Director, Daryl Cloran!
SHAKESPEARE & THE BEATLES
Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse
Suggested
by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp
NOV
19 TO DEC 29
The abbey life is not the life for Maria: an exuberant, free-spirited, would-be nun with the habit of fleeing her studies to sing in the Austrian mountainside.
For a change of scenery, Maria is off to join the von Trapp family household as the latest in a long string of governesses for humourless naval captain Georg von Trapp and his seven disciplined but mischievous children. While the family is initially no match for Maria’s unstoppable love of music and whimsy, it isn’t long until the power of song brings much welcome harmony, romance, and the promise of a bright future, into their home.
But, against political unrest, the von Trapps’ newfound joy becomes threatened. Will the hills that offered Maria her musical solace also become the family’s road to refuge?
"What draws me to this production is the ability to sing your
way through your sorrows."
– ALEXAND r A KANE, Mu Sic Dir E c TO r.
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
with thanks to
Hear from Music Director, Alexandra Kane!
A Co-Production with The Citadel Theatre
HEIST
BY ARUN LAKRA
JAN 14 TO FEB 1
Five criminals team up for one final job after finding themselves betrayed.
Heist is an edge-of-your-seat, popcorn-theatre, action-thriller with all the necessary players: the charmer, the pretty boy, the sneak, the muscle, and the geek. Prepare for anything and everything, then watch as karma comes collecting in this Ocean's Eleven-inspired theatrical production.
Calgary’s breakthrough screenwriter, playwright (and ophthalmologist by day), Arun Lakra brings high-tech, stunt-filled, crime drama from the silver screen to the stage. His mission? To keep savvy audiences on their toes with a fast-paced, twisty whodunnit that has the lobby buzzing.
"When I first looked at this show, I thought: "this is madness!" HEIST is as thought provoking, fast paced, cinematic, popcorn munching, edge of your seat play."
– HAYSAM KAD ri, Dir E c TO r.
"A modern, sophisticated, TODAY kind of a story."
– A ru N LAK r A, pLAYW ri GHT.
Hear from Director, Haysam Kadri and Playwright, Arun Lakra!
title sponsor
A Co-Production with National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre
FEB 18 TO MAR 8
Gwynn is a local radio host. Her mother, Maggie, has a story. Maggie has spent a lifetime building a wall, using humour to deflect her inquisitive, journalist daughter. Now, with a healing gathering for residential school survivors approaching, Gwynn wants Maggie to stop evading her truth, and be part of the change.
With a pot of steaming hot tea as the only thing between them, Maggie and Gwynn work to dismantle her wall, uncovering Maggie’s story in a journey of laughter, revelation, understanding, and the bond of a mother and daughter.
The Secret to Good Tea is a vibrant, intimate, and cheeky family portrait based on playwright Rosanna Deerchild (host of CBC's Unreserved) and her own mother. Fresh from a world premiere in its home province of Manitoba, Deerchild’s powerful first play is set to make its Ontario debut at the Grand Theatre. Renae Morriseau, who directed the play’s world premiere, returns to Deerchild’s work once again and will direct The Secret to Good Tea on the Grand Theatre’s Spriet Stage.
"It's
not just our history as Indigenous people. It is the history of Canada. And we need to include it in what we know, how we know it, and how we move forward together."
– rOSANNA DEErcHiLD, pLAYW riGHT.
Hear from Playwright, Rosanna Deerchild!
A Co-Production with Theatre AQUARIUS
Music & Lyrics by Sara Bareilles
based upon the motion picture written by adrienne shelly book by jessie nelson
MAR 25 TO APR 12
Jenna lives a small slice of life, in a small town – baking punny pies at work and trying not to think about her troubled marriage at home. Caught off guard by another type of bun in the oven, a thrilling affair, and nowhere else to turn, Jenna wonders if her piemaking talents are her ticket to finding a soft place to land.
With music baked-to-perfection by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles (“She Used to be Mine”, “When He Sees Me”), a story based on the indie cult-classic film starring Keri Russell, and the presence of a pretty cute OB/GYN, Waitress is a musical that has charmed its way across Broadway, the United States, the United Kingdom, and will be brought to life on the Grand Theatre Spriet Stage by Artistic Director, Rachel Peake.
"It's a piece about how far an act of kindness, whether it's small or large, can go to change a life."
– r Ac HEL p EAKE, Dir E c TO r.
Hear from Director, Rachel Peake!
title sponsor
ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL by
JANE AUSTEN
APR 29 TO MAY 17
They’re the Bennets that you love, and they’re in it to win it (as far as love and marriage are concerned). This time, nothing is off limits – if it means securing a husband and a home for all your sisters.
Jane is still the beauty, Mary is ghastly-as-ever, Lydia is ready to stir things up, and Lizzy is having none of it. Marriage, shmarriage!
In this laugh-out-loud adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic work, Kate Hamill deftly infuses the beloved Bennets, Bingleys, and Darcys with even more saucy irreverence for society’s expectations; the pearls are clutched, the waistlines are empire, the balls are ballistic, and the genders are bending. Through it all, the timeless love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy captures the hearts of dear readers, and brandnew Austen fans alike.
With a cult following of her own, the award-winning and incorrigible Rebecca Northan (Blind Date, Every Brilliant Thing) will direct the production on the Grand Theatre’s Spriet Stage.
"Kate Hamill’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in one sentence? Funny. Sexy. Smart. Hilarious. That’s just a list of adjectives, I can’t make a sentence. There’s too much to say about it!"
– r EBEcc A NOrTHAN, Dir EcTOr.
Hear from Director, Rebecca Northan!
SUBSCRIBE
All pricing is subject to change. Artists and programming subject to change. Prices include all facility fees, service charges, and HST. Exchanges may only be made to another performance of the same
2024/25 JEANS 'N CLASSICS SERIES:
Paul McCartneY - AUG 15, 2024
The Music of Sting & The Police - NOV 7, 2024
Heartland: current & Classic country - feb 6, 2025
the ultimate symphonic rock show - apr 17, 2025
the who & led zeppelin - may 29 to 30, 2025
Following sold-out performances across the globe, Peter Brennan’s legendary Jeans ’n Classics returns to the Grand’s Spriet Stage with a brand-new five-concert series – performing the best of rock and pop.
Expand Experience
On Wednesdays, We talk about it!
AFTERWORDS
The grand’s Wednesday post-show talkback
On Wednesday evenings, immediately following the show, join host Breanne Ritchie in the Drewlo Lounge for a brief guided discussion with guest artists, creative team members, and Grand staff members. Enhance your theatre experience with this informal chance to dive deeper into the show’s content while mingling with patrons and artists.
BACKSTAGE TOURS
Backstage tours are available for groups on request based on availability.
For tours designed with Student and Youth Groups in mind, contact
For inquiries about public tours, schedules, and availability, please contact our Front of House Team at britchie@grandtheatre.com foh@grandtheatre.com
TEA TALKS
Hosted by Artistic Director, Rachel Peake Wednesday matinee
Tea Talks occur before the Wednesday 1:00 p.m. public matinee of each Spriet Stage production. Join us for creative conversations pre-show with Artistic Director, Rachel Peake and special guests connected to the show. Enjoy a complimentary coffee/tea and cookie, hear insights into Grand productions, participate in stimulating discussion, and then settle into your assigned seats for the matinee.
YOUTH Education
STUDENT CLUB
Are you a student who craves more theatre in your life? Students are invited to enjoy all 6 Subscription Series productions on Thursday previews for only $99! Whether you're in elementary, high-school or post-secondary, come join in the fun with exclusive post-show talks and snacks.
Student Rush
EDUCATORS’ NIGHT OUT
A 6-show package for Educators of all descriptions! Join Educators' Night Out, and see all 6 Spriet Stage shows for the incredible price of $273. In the Drewlo Lounge after the performance, mingle with other educators and patrons while diving deeper into the show’s content at AfterWORDS - a brief guided discussion with guest artists, creative team members, and Grand staff members.
Same-day Student rush tickets are available for all Grand Theatre Subscription Series shows, starting at 12:01 a.m. on the day of the indicated performance for $29.95
London Community Arts Night
SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION FOR COMMUNITY ARTS WORKERS, PARTICIPANTS, AND VOLUNTEERS!
Join other arts-committed individuals on the Tuesday preview performance of all 6 2024/25 subscription series productions via the new London Community Arts Night program. For the low price of $202.68, access any A+, A, or B seat in the Balcony Level. The Drewlo Lounge Bar will be open post-show, with cast and artists invited to mingle with subscribers. At check-out, you will be asked for details regarding your affiliation with a community arts organization. (price includes CIF and HST).
The Grand Theatre was originally constructed in 1901 as a vaudeville theatre. It was also a cinema (1924-1944), and an amateur theatre venue (1945-1970) before becoming a fully professional regional theatre in 1971.
PLAN Your Grand DID YOU KNOW?
Map courtesy of Downtown London
Getting
The Grand Theatre is located in the heart of Downtown London at 471 Richmond Street. It is easily reached by car, transit, and foot with a number of options for parking and preand post-show dining.
The Grand is located directly North of the Dundas and Richmond intersection, accessible by most major bus routes in the city.
For VIA Rail riders, walk West on York to Richmond, then head North to the Grand (under 10 minutes).
The Grand's preferred parking partner is the Old Oak Parkade, conveniently located within 1 block from the theatre at 148 Dufferin Ave. Parking in this lot is $12 weeknights to a maximum of $15 daily.
Be sure to bring your ticket with you as it is needed in order to return to your vehicle after the performance.
Alternative parking options outlined at: grandtheatre.com/getting-here
V.I.P Veryimportant
list is subject to change Some exceptions may apply.
Sun, Sept 22, 2024 at 2:00 P.M.
Sun, Oct 20, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. Sun, Nov 24 2024 at 1:00 P.M.
Sun, Jan 19, 2025 at 2:00 P.M.
how much is a pay-whatyou-can admission? That’s up to you! We encourage you to pay as you are able. There is no minimum —or maximum—amount.
2 ways to buy
1) Online - No waiting in line!
2) In-Person - At the theatre beginning one hour prior to the start of the performance.
seats you’ll receive
Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Sun, Mar 30, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Sun, May 4, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Not eligible for exchanges.
You will receive the best seat available at the time of booking. visit grandtheatre.com or call the box office to learn more! $5 increments only for Debit/Credit Same day only
CALENDAR
September 2024
November
December
January 2025
February
March
April
May
YOUR GRAND GIFT
Ticket sales alone cannot sustain all that we do at the Grand. Your gift not only helps bring great works to our stages, it also ensures the future of the Grand, a beacon for the region’s arts community, and a place to gather for an incredible shared experience.
Thank you for donating to the Grand Theatre.
Your donation, at any level, not only supports putting productions on our stages, it also helps provide subsidies for Student Club, Student Matinees, Relaxed Performances, The Grand Theatre High School Project, and other ancillary programs.
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
$20,000+
$5,000$9,999
PATRON’S CIRCLE
$10,000$19,999
▪ Curated Events with Executive and Artistic Directors
▪ Free Access to Reception Space (once per season)
▪ Invitation to Early Rehearsals
▪ Access to Concierge Ticket Service
▪ Two Complimentary Opening Night Subscriptions and Two Drink Tickets
▪ Invitation to Opening Night V.I.P. Pre-Show Reception
▪ Exclusive Grand Theatre Swag
▪ An 11 x 17 Show Poster (1 per season, upon request)
▪ “Holiday Show Sneak Peek” Event Invitation
▪ Early Access to Next Season’s Secrets
▪ Two Complimentary Drink Tickets
▪ “How the Magic Happens” Event Invitation
▪ Single Tickets at 15% Discount
▪ Recognition in all House Programs
▪ Unlimited Ticket Exchanges
▪ Tax Receipt
▪ Invitation to and Voting Rights at AGM
The Grand Theatre acknowledges that we are located on the traditional lands of the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral) peoples and territories associated with various treaties of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapéewak. The Attawandaron peoples once settled this region alongside the Algonquin and Haudenosaunee peoples and used this land as their traditional beaver hunting grounds.
In London, our treaties include the 1796 London Township Treaty and the 1822 Longwoods Treaty. The London Township Treaty was a regional treaty signed by diplomats representing all parties living on the land, which today we know as Southwestern Ontario. The Longwoods Treaty was signed by representatives of the Crown and the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and covers approximately 580,000 acres in the area.
Locally, there are three First Nations Communities. They are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee Delaware Nation. We would also like to recognize the growing Indigenous urban population, comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations, and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (also known as North America), and acknowledge the traditional lands upon which we live, work, and tell stories together.
We are honoured to live, work, and tell stories, together here.
Designed by Katie Wilhelm
Aaron Ouellette LONDON, ON
Christine Leroux EDMONTON, AB
Heather McGuigan STRATFORD, ON
Clea McCaffrey TORONTO, ON
Corwin Ferguson NIAGARA, ON
Henry Beasley VANCOUVER, BC
Isaiah Terrell-Dobbs CALGARY, AB
Adam Stevenson HAMILTON, ON
Crystal Casera LONDON, ON
Jacob Woike VANCOUVER, BC
Curtis Sullivan TORONTO, ON
James Dallas Smith TORONTO, ON
Fernandez VANCOUVER, BC
Janelle Cooper TORONTO, ON
Jan Alexandra Smith STRATFORD, ON
Kamyar Pazandeh VANCOUVER, BC Kate Hennig STRATFORD, ON
Chu EDMONTON, AB
Kelly Luft ST. THOMAS, ON
Kelsey Jensen TORONTO, ON
Naomi Ngebulana TORONTO, ON
Owen Hutchinson EDMONTON, AB
McArthur LONDON, ON Tiffany Lam TORONTO, ON
Tim Rodrigues MONTREAL, QC
Krista Leis STRATFORD, ON
Lawrence Libor TORONTO, ON
Pam Johnson DELTA, BC
Patrick Bowman HAMILTON, ON
Siegel FORT ERIE, ON
Millard NIAGARA, ON
Troy O’Donnell EDMONTON, AB Tyler Check TORONTO, ON
Ainsley Hillyard EDMONTON, AB
Alexandra Kane LONDON, ON
Daniela
Daryl Cloran EDMONTON, AB
Lee
Peter
Priya Narine EDMONTON, AB
Nadien
Vinnie Alberto WINNIPEG, MB
Suzanne
Alexandra Lainfiesta VANCOUVER, BC Alyssa LeClair HAMILTON, ON
Andrew Hodwitz TORONTO, ON
Devin MacKinnon STRATFORD, ON
Dominique LeBlanc TORONTO, ON
Jareth Li TORONTO, ON
Jeff Culbert LONDON, ON
Leon Willey REGINA, SK
Rachel Peake LONDON, ON
Andrew Moodie EAST YORK, ON
Annie Ramos TORONTO, ON
Donna Garner TORONTO, ON
Jeff Irving NIAGARA, ON
Eamon Stocks WHITBY, ON
Jennifer Copping VANCOUVER, BC
Lior Maharjan MONTREAL, QC
Lisa Wright LONDON, ON
Elysia Cruz TORONTO, ON
Anton Lipovetsky VANCOUVER, BC Beck Lloyd STRATFORD, ON
Emilio Vieira PICKERING, ON
Lorenzo Savoini STRATFORD, ON
Raechel Fisher TORONTO, ON
Rebecca Northan TORONTO, ON
Renae Morriseau VANCOUVER, BC
Emily Porter TORONTO, ON
Jenny McKillop EDMONTON, AB
Jeremy Proulx TORONTO, ON
Maddie Bautista TORONTO, ON
Harapiak STRATFORD, ON
Robert Markus STRATFORD, ON
Jess Gordon BRAMPTON, ON
Knight WINNIPEG, MB
Robin Wilcock LONDON, ON
Sang Sang Lee EDMONTON, AB
Mark
Marsha
Belinda Cornish EDMONTON, AB
Ben Elliott VANCOUVER, BC
Emily Solstice Tait WINNIPEG, MB
Beyata Hackborn EDMONTON, AB
Brandon Kleiman HAMILTON, ON
Emma Jo Conlin TORONTO, ON
Jonathan Purvis BURNABY, BC
Martine Beland MASCHOUCE, QC
Sarah Richardson HALIFAX, NS
Jordan Guetter GUELPH, ON
Julia Lank VANCOUVER, BC
Julia McLellan TORONTO, ON
Callan Potter TORONTO, ON
Carmen Grant STRATFORD, ON
Haysam Kadri EDMONTON, AB
Julius Sermonia STRATFORD, ON
Matthew MacDonald-Bain VANCOUVER, BC
Scott Beaudin STRATFORD, ON
Megan Dallan WOODSTOCK, ON
Scott Penner HAMILTON, ON
Megan Watson LONDON, ON
Melissa Cameron LONDON, ON
June Mirochnick VANCOUVER, BC
Michelle Bardach VANCOUVER, BC
Siobhán Sleath TORONTO, ON Stacey Kay CAMBRIDGE, ON
