The Shows Must Go On! - By Jeeves!

One of his little known shows and I can see why. Charming, but it goes on a little long. The concept of an ad hoc play provides the backdrop for some really creative staging and props.

National Theatre - Twelfth Night

Hilarious romantic comedy, with gender disguise, deception, jesters, plotting and  misdirected love. The costumes are great and the set is very clever. Presents very well as a taped performance.

The Shows Must Go On! - Love Never Dies

I heard this sequel to the Phantom did not do well at the box office and I was a little worried it would ruin my enjoyment of the original's live story. While the score was not as memorable as the Phantom, the story was engaging and the costumes and staging were awesome.

National Theatre - Treasure Island

A charming story with a wonderful cast of endearing misfits. The narrator is very charming and the set is amazing and fun to watch as it unfolds.

National Theatre - Jane Eyre

The minimalist multifunctional set allowed the character development in this play to shine. An engrossing story of hardship, grace and survival.

Nightwood Theatre - All the Animals I Have Eaten

I was disappointed to miss the show, so was looking forward to the reading. While the set and costumes would clearly have added to the ambiance of the play, it was really about the mini stories, which held up very well in this format, no doubts thanks to a great cast.

National Theatre - One Man, Two Guvnors

Available on uTube, the streaming of this live play is a real treat, featuring James Corben, who is hilarious in the lead role. Overall, a very charming show, jam packed with laughs. It's available for one week from Apr 2 - be sure to check it out.

Social Distancing Festival

A shout out to this amazing site, where you can select whatever form of art most interests you - a photo tour, a musical performance in any genre. There is lots of content from all over the world - you can get lost here for hours. A fabulous way to distract you from the virus and lighten your mood.

TO Live Insider

Featuring a different artist each day, coming to us from their living room, sharing a song, dance or tour of their studio (Ronnie Burkett was a real treat, as I have been a fan for years). A wonderful way of sharing and lifting up our spirits - thanks to all those who have participated.

Mirvish - Donna Summer

High energy performance with great choreography and costumes. Loved the gender bending dancers, with their swagger and wit. The three Donna's were amazing. If you're interested in the Donna Summer story or just want to hear some awesome songs I strongly recommend this musical.

Off Mirvish - Us/Them

Intriguing approach to telling a story about children. The perspective of children - the naivite, the games, the playfulness, the innocence - comes through very effectively, delivering a significant punch at the end.

TSO POPS - Music of John Williams

Another stellar evening with the TSO, featuring iconic movie scores. Opening with Star Wars, then on to favourites from Harry Potter, Star Wars and other Oscar nominated scores.

Crows Theatre - Grounded

Intense, riveting. Carly Street portrays descent into madness in a visceral way. I couldn't stop myself from fervently wishing someone could help. Amazing performance.

Tarragon - This Was the World!

So many things to talk about - this play really generated a deep conversation on privilege, unconscious bias, behavioural change, ....

Factory Theatre - Lady Sunrise

A stellar cast powerfully presents six interrelated stories. No matter what their socioeconomic status, each women struggles with survival. Really clever set allowed the focus to remain centred on the stories.

Canstage - AF

Incredible dance, with compelling music. Beautiful to watch!

National Geographic Live! - Adventures Among Orangutans

Fascinating story about orangutans, dependent on the rainforest ecosystem. These animals, who most closely resemble us in DNA, are now endangered. Impressive family adventure too, as these researchers have been bringing their children with them to Borneo.

AGO - Illusions: The Art of Magic & Diane Arbus: Photographs 1956–1971

If you like street photography and interesting personalities you will like the Diane Arbus' show. We also enjoyed the illusions show - a fascinating history of the people who popularized this form of entertainment. Also, always make time for Kusama's mirrored room (book it as soon as you enter as it is very popular).

Sheridan Theatre - Cabaret

An excellent adaptation of this popular musical. Amazing performances from Ben Page as the emcee and Allison Ferrence as Sally Bowles. Fantastic show.

Canstage - How to Fail as a Popstar

Raw and open story of ambition unfulfilled, performed with grace and charm. An engaging story and a beautiful voice.

Soulpepper - Jesus Hopped the A Train

Riveting play, as circumstances are slowly revealed towards an outcome that has you hoping for the best, right to the very end. Outstanding performances.

Mirvish - Hamilton

Despite all the hype I have to say that I have a mixed review. The first half was like a musical history lesson (did I mention I am not a history buff), but the second half was great. The story came alive and the twists and turns grabbed you.

Coal Mine - Marjorie Prime

Thought provoking with respect to mortality and family, with a futuristic approach to coping with grief through AI support. Amazing show.

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest

This annual event is a great family activity. The ice sculptures are amazing and you can sip a hot chocolate or enjoy some snacks while you browse. Great opportunity for selfies as well!

Oakville Symphony - Romantic Fantasy

Fantastic performance from this community orchestra. Outstanding guest pianist, charming conductor and easy listening program. The vocalist enhanced the second half with her wonderful performance. 

Crowsnest Theatre - Casimir and Caroline

Office party gone awry, thanks to emotions in turmoil from restructuring and shenanigans unfolding. Alternating hilarious and tragic. Fast paced, the action and laughs are non-stop. Many performances are sold out, so act fast.

Tarragon - Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes

In the MeToo era, this play brings home the conflict and responsibility facing men of influence. While unable to resist his impulses he rues the potential outcome, disgusted with his actions. Awesome performances.

Canstage - Sweat

Small town norms and fear of the unexpected destroys a friendship and a promising future. The tension builds as we await the inevitable but hope for a different ending. Engrossing.

TPM - Suitcase/Adrenalin

Two plays by the same director and case, but not related. Both set in Syria, under the threat of war. Listening to these plays in their native language enhanced the realism.

Suitcase was superb and charming, with the ebbs and flows of expectations and uncertainty for the future. 

Adrenaline started off as a celebration and the tension slowly escalated, pushing us inexorably towards realization of a survivor's experience. Awesome performance.

NSTF - Pearl Harbour's Agit-Pop

In the flavour of a lounge act, Pearl Harbour takes us on a journey of tension and anxiety in the world from climate chaos and insurrections. Efforts to engage the audience were met with resistance but she eventually won us over, with primal screams and a sing-along.

NSTF - Literally Titanium

Interesting portrayal of the battle and balance between mind and body. Ophira is a great story teller and has a wonderful singing voice.

NSTF - 49th Day

The rituals we follow help us to accept and understand out heritage. Passionately told by a daughter coming to terms with her mother's passing, as she is "haunted" by her.

NSTF - Kitne Saare Laloo Yahan Pey Hain

A powerful performance although we struggled to understand the meaning of this story. The risks facing transwomen, elaborated at the end, did not connect with the story at the beginning.

NSTF - Winter of '88

The play takes shape as the playwright receives feedback from his wife - incorporating her experiences, as well as his own, from the bombardment of Tehran in 1988. Incredible script, presentation and performances by a stellar cast.

NSTF - Tease

Comedic burlesque with a strong and impactful feminist perspective. An entreaty to see women as human beings, not just sexual beings. Fun, sexy and illuminating.

Crows Theatre - Julius Ceasar

A timely story of unintended consequences. I find Shakespeare a little hard to follow so the intermittent narration helped to understand the story. Powerful performances by a stellar cast

NSTF - Consumption Patterns

What do we want, how do we consume, what are our expectations. Excellent stories and outstanding delivery by a stellar cast.

Nightwood Theatre - The Solitudes

I loved the diversity in stage - so touchingly demonstrating how women are different and how we are alike, across different cultures and geographies. Charming, forceful, tender, jovial - many beautiful moments

Mirvish Extra - Phantom of the Opera

Sitting three rows from the stage I was immersed in the magic and intensity of the show. Unfortunately though I missed the big moment with the falling chandelier as it was behind me. Overall, a great production.

Mirvish - Anastasia

Amazing costumes, great choreography and a charming story. A very strong performance from Lila Coogan as Anastasia.