This is the second time in three years that Lighthouse Festival Theatre has included a Sherlock Holmes play as part of its season.

By Gary Smith | Special to the Hamilton Spectator

Saturday, June 28th, 2025

The great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is no doubt spinning in his grave.

The master of moody mystery surely never intended his dark and demonic work about a howling hound to give voice to peals of exuberant laughter. Death on the English Moors cloaked by fog and fear is surely more what this 19th-century author had in mind.

No matter, Sir Arthur and his fearsome Baskerville Hound are served up by British playwrights Steven Canny and John Nicholson in a boldly comic vision that is sending audiences home happy.

In a slam-bang Lighthouse Theatre production, directed with style and intentional hambone histrionics by Derek Ritschel, you might wonder if the essence of Sir Arthur’s frightening tale survives in this arc of fresh new laughter.

Mostly, I’d say yes, though the original story does get somewhat lost in the non-stop silliness.

There’s plenty of gratuitous humour, for instance, of a pretty flimsy kind. If you think seeing a man shuffling across the stage in his underwear, trousers around his ankles is hilarious, this one’s for you.

If you think a man with a beard, wearing a dress and seductively flapping a fan is the height of comic invention, you just might laugh yourself silly.

You get the picture. The comedy here is of a British pantomime level that’s aimed at adults rather than children.

Don’t look for witty repartee; this Hound doesn’t run to that. But if you can satisfy yourself with bombast and visual high jinks, you just might have a swell time.

Director Ritschel keeps things in perpetual motion and his skilful cast of three makes the 17 characters they play entertaining.

Thank heavens for these mitigating factors. The pace of the shenanigans here suggests perpetual motion. There’s no time to stop and question the ridiculous goings on.

If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, however, you might not enjoy seeing this classic one sent so far up the comedy scale. You might not be so willing to suspend annoyance with the way Arthur Conan Doyle’s play has been frantically massaged in this comic version that kids the pants off everything.

If, however, you’re willing to play along, three fine actors with handsome pedigrees will make you woof with laughter.

In truth, these guys work like dogs to make this Hound bark. All three actors have terrific credits with major international theatres, and they work here like some finely oiled machine that keeps right on ticking through multiple costume changes and physical action.

Andrew Scanlon is wily Sherlock Holmes, imbuing the character with appropriate ego and panache. Jonathan Ellul is his canny Watson, trying to be in charge, even when we know he’s clearly not. And Sweeney Macarthur plays Sir Henry Baskerville with bravado and style.

Of course, all three have fun with the other rambunctious characters who turn up on the Lighthouse Festival stage. It would be wrong to spoil your fun by telling you who they are. If you want to know you’ll have to head to Port Dover, or Port Colborne, to find out.

Set designer William Chesney’s suggestion of the play’s multiple settings is definitely more functional than inspired. Its parameters also forced Ritschel’s staging too frequently to the stage right side of the theatre. There was a blandness to the look of this production that is unusual for Chesney, who is normally a designer of great style. Similarly, Emerson Kafarowski’s lighting failed to suggest vital mood and atmosphere.

This is the second time in three years that Lighthouse Festival Theatre has included a Sherlock Holmes play as part of its season. Last time it was Canadian playwright Peter Colley’s “The Real Sherlock Holmes” that brought Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the sleuth in the deerstalker hat, to Port Dover in a play that posed some interesting thoughts about how Holmes came to be such a quintessential character.

Of course, the old black and white films starring Basil Rathbone and the TV series with elegant Jeremy Brett inhabiting the heart and mind of Holmes still remain perfect Holmes nostalgia.

I don’t think anyone has come up with such an outrageous spoof about the man with the pipe and the big time ego, as Canny and Nicholson have with their slapstick take on “The Hound of the Baskervilles.”

So, is this “Hound” a dog? Not if you like comedy that chases its tale to make you laugh.

_{Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details}

Gary Smith has written about theatre and dance for The Hamilton Spectator, as well as a variety of international publications, for more than 40 years.

The bikers are on to something. Port Dover is described as having a clean, sandy beach and a romantic pier that make it one of Ontario’s best kept secrets.

By Mike Pearson | Reporter with InsideHalton.com

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

Friday, June 13th is just around the corner, and that means tens of thousands of people — and bikers — will visit Port Dover, a town of 8,000 people on the north shore of Lake Erie.

The town’s famous motorcycle rallies attract bikers from across Ontario, Quebec and the northeastern United States.

Port Dover Friday the 13th tradition

The tradition began in 1981, when a few friends got together at a downtown hotel and pledged to return whenever the calendar flipped to Friday the 13th, regardless of weather.

Today, Friday the 13th is more than just a motorcycle rally.

The event attracts visitors of all ages for main stage entertainment at Main and Walker streets, starting Thursday (June 12) at 7 p.m.

The action continues for the main event on Friday, with musical entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. This year’s performers include Tragically Hip, Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses tribute bands.

Plenty of food options are available, from hot dogs, fries, pizza and burgers to Port Dover’s famous perch, pickerel and celery bread.

In recent years, Friday the 13th has grown so big that organizers have closed Port Dover’s downtown area to vehicle parking. Out-of-town parking is available on the outskirts of Port Dover (468 Concession 2) for $10 per person, with shuttle service by the Port Dover Kinsmen Club.

Expect increased OPP presence 

With another influx of guests expected June 13, Ontario Provincial Police have announced an increased police presence in Port Dover.

Motorcyclists and other drivers are reminded to share the road, especially with the higher traffic volumes expected over the weekend.

Parking in prohibited areas may result in towing and fines exceeding $400, the OPP warn.

More to offer

While Friday the 13th happens just one to three times a year, the Port Dover Board of Trade notes the community has a lot to offer throughout the summer.

“Port Dover offers a remarkable array of festivals, beautiful scenery and unique experiences,” the group notes online. “From surprisingly affordable family fun in the sun to sophisticated dining and acclaimed professional live theatre, Port Dover’s warmth, charm and unique history will excite your imagination … and capture your heart.”

The downtown area features one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques and heritage hotels.

A clean, sandy beach and a romantic pier make this lakeside town one of Ontario’s best kept secrets, the Port Dover Board of Trade notes.

It’s just two hours away from Toronto and 45 minutes from Brantford.

The ultimate resort town

Ontario’s Southwest Tourism raves about Port Dover.

“Walk the beach in Port Dover and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in the ultimate Ontario resort town,” the group notes. “The scenic pier is the place to be for fishing, taking a romantic stroll or watching the tugboats return with their daily catch.”

While only a small portion of the beach is open to the public, tourists can also visit nearby beaches like Turkey Point and Long Point.

Where to eat in Port Dover

Knechtel’s on the Beach (15 Walker St., Port Dover) is known for its perch snack box, halibut, pickerel, burgers, hot dogs and poutine.

A Port Dover staple since 1919, The Arbor (101 Main St.) is famous for its foot-long hot dogs and “Golden Glow” fresh fruit drinks.

The Fisherman’s Catch Bar and Restaurant (18 Walker St.) is known for perch and pickerel as well as combo dinners.

DeKoning’s Restaurant (1768 Hwy. 6) is popular for reasonably priced breakfast, lunch or dinner with large portions.

Visit Schofield’s Bistro (243 Main St.) for a full brunch menu, appetizers like crispy cauliflower and crab cakes, plus dinner entrees like maple chili glazed Atlantic salmon and beef tenderloin.

Where to stay in Port Dover

The Erie Beach Hotel (19 Walker St.) is already fully booked for Friday the 13th, but you can still enjoy a weekend getaway later in the summer. Dine in the hotel’s Cove Room or Terrace Room, featuring tableside salads and hot celery bread. The landmark features a wooden sculpture of a mariner, which has been welcoming guests to downtown Port Dover since 1946.

The Brant Hill Inn (30 John St.) features majestic harbour views from 12 modern rooms and affordable nightly rates during the tourist season.

Shore Acres is a quiet, well-maintained seasonal trailer park on the Lake Erie shoreline (574 Radical Rd.) within walking distance to downtown Port Dover. Seasonal and overnight space is available.

Shopping in Port Dover

Cashmere & Cobwebs boutique (339 Main St.) offers, affordable and stylish ladies’ fashions, accessories, jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts, with new arrivals daily.

North Shore Soapworks (359 Main St.) has natural bath and body care products, soaps and lotions, jewelry and more.

Liberty Home and Gifts (19 Harbour St.) has souvenirs, nautical decor, puzzles, shells, cast iron, salt water taffy and other keepsakes to remind you of your trip to Port Dover.

Port Dover Jewellery & Gifts (343 Main St.) has a wide selection of gold and silver jewelry, watches and giftware in the heart of the downtown.

Things to do in Port Dover

Arbortown Mini Golf (100 Main St.) features 18 holes of family fun and excitement.

Lighthouse Festival Theatre promises a summer of laughter in its historic downtown location at 247 Main St. The summer season includes “Hidden Treasures,” a showcase of two one-act plays by Norm Foster. Other shows include “The New Canadian Curling Club,” “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “Pinkerton Comes to Prospect.” See ticket information and showtimes online.

The South Coast Jazz 2025 music festival runs from Aug. 8 to 10 in Port Dover and Brantford. The all-Canadian lineup features Lighthouse, known for such hits as hits such as “One Fine Morning,” “Sunny Days” and “Hats Off to the Stranger.” Tickets are now available online.

— With files from J.P. Antonacci, The Hamilton Spectator

The New Canadian Curling Club is a comedy with something serious to say. It’s so worth your time. Don’t miss it.

By Gary Smith | Special to the Hamilton Spectator

Thursday, May 29th, 2025

Hurry hard to Port Dover.

“The New Canadian Curling Club” has opened and it’s a doozy of a play. If you can’t get a seat at Dover, try Port Colborne, but do it fast. This one’s going to be a hot ticket.

The Lighthouse Festival Theatre is known as a home to plays with a decidedly Canuck point of view. This one’s no exception.

You don’t have to know a fig about curling. Rocks and ice are just the backdrop here for warm-hearted comedy.

It’s a feel-good sort of play. And yes, it pushes the right buttons as playwright Mark Crawford makes curling the backdrop for some insightful thoughts on immigration and Canada. More than anything he pricks our social conscience, celebrating the sometime troubled experience immigrants can have searching for the good life in Canada.

Crawford makes us empathize with four ingratiating immigrant characters who find challenges as they assimilate into Canadian culture. Always there is a serious undertow beneath the comedy. Then too, Crawford plays devil’s advocate, making us wince when we catch ourselves laughing at obvious, purposely placed racist jokes that cause us to catch our collected breath.

Crawford builds his characters so well. We acknowledge the fact they’ve come to Canada with open hearts and open minds. And we remember that the melting pot of our nation, our “true north strong and free,” is the fabric of our future.

The skill here is the way he does this without a heavy hand, without ever forcing a depressing political context.

So, here’s the skinny. Four new Canadians, living somewhere in small-town Ontario, sign up for a weekly class in curling. The notion is that meeting once a week at the local curling club, might make them feel more welcome, maybe even more Canadian.

But whoops. There are problems here from the get-go. Slipping and sliding around on a cold, icy surface and navigating a difficult challenge makes for a frosty experience.

Speaking of frosty, these nervous participants soon meet the hard-nosed Stuart McPhail, a crusty old curler and wily caretaker of the rink. Coerced into training the raw, but willing newcomers he isn’t too happy. Not exactly a full-blown redneck, cantankerous McPhail can still snap out quasi-racist remarks like “All in the Family’s” Archie Bunker.

Played to perfection by craggy John Jarvis, McPhail makes the man funny, irascible and vitriolic. He is, however, the glue that holds this comedy together. His overt snap and crackle keep the play from becoming too serious and sentimental, too much of a bald polemic.

The quartet of newbies that turn up for his tutelage are superbly well-rounded, never just mouthpieces for resentment, annoyance and a need for change.

Charmaine Bailey is the tough-talking Jamaican, played with sass and sizzle by lovable Chiamaka Glory. Charmaine’s lived in Canada for many years, but her feathers still ruffle appropriately when she’s condescendingly asked where she’s from.

Mike Chang, played with quiet intensity by Frank Chung, is finishing up a residency at a local hospital. He wants to stay in Canada after his internship is over. He also wants to marry his girlfriend, who just happens to be McPhail’s granddaughter.

Does the girl’s family want the name Chang on the embroidered pillowcases? Given this play’s context what do you think?

Add Anoopjeet Singh, played with warmth and sublimated anger by handsome Andrew Prashad. Passed over yet again for advancement at a local Tim Hortons, he’s lived in Canada for 10 lean years, and still isn’t debt-free and unplagued by racist epithets that taunt him as he’s serving up those smoothies and doughnuts.

Finally, there’s Fatima, a teenager from Syria, played with passion by Mahsa Ershadifar. She’s really the only new Canadian in this quartet. She’s trying hard to assimilate into a new land, even though she’s living with issues from her troubled past.

How these diverse Canadians learn to face humiliation on the ice and still sweep a rock isn’t the main point of Crawford’s play. What we cheer for at the predictable conclusion isn’t their earnest, rather rudimentary skill at a Scottish game brought to Canada by earlier immigrants. No, it’s rather how they’ve found a connection, not only with each other, but with their life in a sometimes-cold new land.

When they sing a rousing verse of “O Canada” near the play’s emotional finish, you could feel the audience in Dover wanting to rise up and sing with them. And isn’t that just the point?

Directed with sensitivity and skill by Jane Spence, this production never shies from the play’s darker, less felicitous moments.

Spence cements the fragmented scenes of the play’s busy second act into a unified whole, helping it build to a satisfying, believable conclusion.

Beckie Morris’s perfect setting — a red, white and blue arena, with a prominent Canadian flag, as well as a Tim Hortons sign or two — suggests the slightly shopworn reality of a local community rink. And you’ll actually believe these folks are working on real ice, even though if you stay in your seat, you’ll see an assistant stage manager spray the fake ice surface at intermission with something that stinks like lemon chemical and makes things awful slippery.

Alex Amini does her usual fine job of providing lived-in-looking costumes and Steven Lucas adds lighting that gives the show a warm enticing glow.

“The New Canadian Curling Club” is a comedy with something serious to say. It’s so worth your time. Don’t miss it.

_{Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details}

Gary Smith has written about theatre and dance for The Hamilton Spectator, as well as a variety of international publications, for more than 40 years.