September 2, 2025 | PORT DOVER, ON – Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce its 2026 Call for Submissions for visual artists to exhibit their work in its Port Dover theatre spaces. The selected artwork will be on display from April to October 2026 in two unique gallery-style areas: the Box Office Lobby and the Long Bar on the second floor, which together welcome more than 60,000 visitors annually.

Lighthouse Festival invites applications from all visual artists, with a particular emphasis on showcasing work by local and Indigenous creators. This initiative highlights the theatre’s commitment to supporting artistic expression within the communities it serves and celebrating diverse cultural voices.

“We’re proud to make Lighthouse Festival a space where creativity thrives,” said Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Manager. “By featuring local and Indigenous artists, we’re not only providing an opportunity for them to connect with thousands of theatre-goers but also enriching the cultural experience of our audiences.”

The theatre is seeking 8–15 large and medium-scale pieces to be displayed in the Box Office Lobby and two sets of 8–15 works each for the Long Bar. Artists whose work is chosen may offer their pieces for sale, and Lighthouse Festival is pleased to support its creative community by taking only a minimal commission. To ensure a seamless display throughout the season, artists are encouraged to provide additional works for rotation in the event that pieces are purchased and collected before October.

The 2026 exhibition will be celebrated with a public opening reception early in the year, featuring refreshments, champagne, and a chance for visitors to meet the artists and learn more about their work.

“This program has become a true celebration of creativity,” Kearney-Bourque added. “The combination of beautiful art, a stunning heritage building, and lively theatre performances creates a unique cultural hub in downtown Port Dover.”

Artists are invited to submit their work online by completing the application form via the link below.

Accepted pieces will be professionally displayed with accompanying descriptions throughout the theatre season.

Lighthouse Festival encourages both emerging and established artists to apply for this high-profile opportunity to showcase their talents to a wide audience in a vibrant lakeside community.

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About Lighthouse Festival

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289)541-7410

August 14, 2025 – Port Dover, ON | Lighthouse Festival is proud to unveil its exciting 2026 summer season, brimming with side-splitting comedies, heartfelt Canadian storytelling, and a toe-tapping musical review. From riotous road trips to heartwarming family chaos, audiences can expect another unforgettable season of live theatre at Lighthouse Festival.

“Our 2026 season is bursting with stories we can’t wait to share with you,” says Jane Spence, Artistic Director of Lighthouse Festival. “Whether it’s a chaotic family funeral, an unexpected Caribbean getaway, or an espionage-filled comedy that is one part Mission: Impossible and the other part MasterChef, there is something for everyone.”

Nicole Campbell, Executive Director, adds: “Our patrons are the heartbeat of Lighthouse Festival. Their loyalty and enthusiasm fuel our mission to bring professional, world-class theatre to our beautiful lakeside communities. Our 2026 season is our way of saying thank you by offering a line-up that’s as vibrant and dynamic as our audience.”

Lighthouse Festival has long been recognized for championing Canadian talentand presenting comedies and stories that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. The 2026 summer season builds on that tradition, offering a mix of laugh-out-loud farces, moving characters, and nostalgic musical celebrations with our season topper.

Each production will run at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover before moving to Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne, giving theatregoers in both communities the chance to experience every show. With the scenic Lake Erie shoreline as a backdrop, a trip to Lighthouse Festival is the perfect summer outing, whether you’re a longtime subscriber or a first-time visitor.

“This season is a perfect snapshot of what Lighthouse Festival does best — telling stories that make people laugh, think, and feel connected,” says Spence. “Our audiences can count on us to deliver theatre that’s fresh, fun, and proudly Canadian.”

The 2026 Season Line-Up

The Beaver Club | Written by Barb Scheffler

Four friends pile into a well-worn car and set off on the ultimate cross-country road trip: from Toronto all the way to Dildo, Newfoundland. What starts as a spontaneous getaway soon spirals into a journey full of chaos, confessions, and questionable roadside snacks. The women relive old memories, create outrageous new ones, and take on everything from skinny dipping in questionable lakes to navigating tourist traps with names they definitely can’t say on the radio. Secrets are spilled, boundaries are tested, and laughter erupts at every turn. The Beaver Club is a raucous and surprisingly touching celebration of womanhood, aging disgracefully, and friendships that can survive anything.

Crees in the Caribbean | Written by Drew Hayden Taylor

A delightfully witty yet deeply touching play about Evie and Cecil Poundmaker, a Cree couple celebrating their 35th anniversary with their first trip abroad – a Mexican resort vacation gifted by their children. The comedy sparkles as this fish-out-of-water couple navigates resort life with laugh-out-loud exchanges rooted in decades of shared history. Curmudgeonly Cecil and spirited Evie fill the stage with humorous banter, but the play unfolds as a truly heartfelt journey as memories resurface, and Evie gently pushes Cecil to seize each moment. In addition, their new friendship with Manuela, their young housekeeper, is profoundly moving. This play is a beautiful, poignant story celebrating human connection across cultures; the comic joy of love rekindled and self-discovery in later life against an idyllic backdrop. 

Secret Service | Written by Ephraim Ellis (World Premiere)

Welcome to Il Glorioso Buco, Toronto’s swankiest Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is thick with… espionage? A crack team of international spies has taken over the kitchen, using marinara as camouflage for a top-secret sting operation. Enter Harry Marsden: an eternal optimist, who thinks he’s just starting a regular old waiter gig. Armed only with a serving tray and way too much enthusiasm, Harry has no idea he’s just walked into the culinary equivalent of a James Bond blooper reel. Ephraim Ellis’s world premiere Secret Service is a riotous rollercoaster of laughter and subterfuge. It’s Mission: Impossible meets MasterChef in a farcical feast.

Liars at a Funeral | Written by Sophia Fabiilli

Family reunions are hard enough without faking a funeral, but that’s exactly what Grandma Mavis has cooked up. When a blizzard traps a wildly dysfunctional family inside a drafty funeral parlour, the sparks fly faster than the power lines go down. Over one increasingly unhinged day, skeletons are flung from closets, and secrets are spilled like cheap wine. Five actors play nine roles in a whirlwind of crazy characters, and one enthusiastic funeral director. Liars at a Funeral is a gloriously over-the-top tribute to family, forgiveness, and the fine art of pretending everything’s fine. It’s the perfect send-off for anyone who thinks their family is a little bit nuts – until they see this one.

A Woman’s Love List | Written by Norm Foster

Megan and Carly write down a list of qualities for the perfect man, and to their surprise, he appears! But perfection proves to be a moving target. As they begin tweaking the list – Blaze Wilson, their masterpiece, responds in kind, morphing from one personality to the next faster than you can say “emotional whiplash. Things get even messier when Blaze discovers the list and takes matters into his own hands. Full of rapid-fire dialogue, bizarre romantic detours, and enough twists to qualify as cardio, A Woman’s Love List is a hilarious exploration of modern relationships and why love can’t be measured by bullet points. 

Leisa Way’s Get Down Tonight (The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack)

Leisa Way presents Lighthouse Festival’s 2026 Season Topper Get Down Tonight (The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack). It’s a high-energy celebration of the unforgettable music of the 70’s! From the glittering dance floors of disco to the coffee houses of folk, to the classic anthems of rock, this electrifying concert features hits from The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, ABBA, Carole King, Freddie Mercury & Queen, Elton John, The Bee Gees, Dolly Parton, The Stones, Stevie Wonder, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Carly Simon and many, many more. Leisa Way and her sensational Wayward Wind band return to Lighthouse to deliver powerhouse vocals and non-stop nostalgia in this feel-good celebration of the decade that defined a generation. Whether you’re a dancing queen, or a rock-and-roll rebel, get ready to sing your heart out, boogie, and Get Down Tonight – because this show is pure 70’s magic from start to finish!

Tickets and Subscriptions

Season subscription and single-show ticket on sale dates will be announced in the coming months. Subscribing offers the best value, with savings of up to 18% compared to single-ticket prices, as well as access to subscriber events and early-bird pricing for the following season.

To purchase subscriptions or tickets, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com or call the box office at 1-888-779-7703.

About Lighthouse Festival

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289)541-7410

Play Development Festival to be held from March 6 to 11, 2026

June 16, 2025 – Port Dover, ON | Lighthouse Festival is excited to announce the official call for submissions for the 2026 Play Development Festival, taking place March 6 to 11, 2026. Canadian playwrights from coast to coast are invited to submit their unproduced comedic works for the chance to be developed and showcased on Lighthouse’s mainstage. 

Now entering its second year before the pandemic, the Play Development Festival is an integral part of Lighthouse’s commitment to supporting new Canadian voices in theatre. Submissions are open from June 1 to September 15, 2025, and selected playwrights will receive dramaturgical support, rehearsal time with professional artists, and a staged reading in front of a live audience who are invited to give feedback. 

“We’re on the hunt for fresh, funny, and fearless storytelling,” says Jane Spence, Artistic Director of Lighthouse Festival. “Our audiences love to laugh, and this festival is an incredible opportunity for playwrights to develop their comedic voice in a supportive and collaborative environment.” 

Playwrights are invited to submit unproduced, comedic two-act plays that run approximately 90 minutes in length. Scripts must require no more than six actors (though those actors may play multiple roles). If submitting a musical, scripts must be designed for a maximum of four performers. Plays that have not yet received a professional production are eligible, including those that have had previous readings or workshop presentations. 

A selection committee of theatre professionals will review all eligible submissions. Three scripts will be chosen to participate in the 2026 Play Development Festival. Each selected playwright will work closely with a dramaturge and director to refine their script and present it to an engaged audience during the festival week. The festival also serves as a potential pipeline to full productions in Lighthouse’s summer seasons. 

“As a company, we’re always looking ahead to what Canadian theatre can be,” adds Spence. “The Play Development Festival gives playwrights space to take creative risks and shape the future of comedic storytelling on our stages.” 

Lighthouse Festival remains dedicated to fostering new Canadian work and championing the development of playwrights at all career stages. Past festivals have included emerging and established voices alike, and several featured scripts have gone on to full productions and publication. 

Interested playwrights are encouraged to review the full submission guidelines at lighthousetheatre.com/play-development/play-development-festival/ and submit their script by the September 15, 2025 deadline. 

About Lighthouse Festival

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, cast interviews and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410
www.lighthousetheatre.com

Written by Stephen Canny & John Nicholson, this cheeky British import is directed by Derek Ritschel and features a cast of three actors playing 17 different roles.

May 26, 2025 – Port Dover, ON | The game is afoot at Lighthouse Festival as The Hound of the Baskervilles takes the stage as the second production of the 2025 summer season. Running from June 18 to July 5 in Port Dover and July 9 to 20 in Port Colborne, this riotous adaptation of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle classic promises non-stop laughs, jaw-dropping transformations, and a spine-tingling mystery with a decidedly ridiculous twist.

Written by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, this brilliantly funny take on one of literature’s most iconic detective stories trades fog for farce as three actors take on over a dozen roles. Directed by Lighthouse Festival’s Director in Residence, Derek Ritschel, this production stars a powerhouse comedic trio: Jonathan Ellul, Sweeney Macarthur, and Andrew Scanlon.

“Theatre should entertain, surprise, and leave your cheeks sore from smiling, and this show delivers all three,” says director Derek Ritschel. “We’ve taken one of the greatest mysteries ever written and turned it into a night of organized chaos, breathless quick changes, and endless hilarity. These actors are fearless, and the audience is in for a howling good time.”

“Steve and I had a great time writing this adaptation – nearly 20 years ago now. It’s also been a pleasure to come back to the script almost every year since to update it, in response to new productions,” says playwright John Nicholson. “Since its West End run in London, the show has travelled all over the world, and we’re thrilled that it has now landed at Lighthouse Festival. We know you’re in for a good time!”

Jonathan Ellul, taking on the role of the infamous sidekick Watson, says “What I love about my character is that I get to be the ‘innocent’ in the story because Watson is always trying to figure out the next piece of the puzzle, but also, there is a lot of stepping in and out of character which, in our version, contrasts with everything about the ‘character I’m playing’.”

“I think anyone who is looking for a real escape is going to love this show; anyone looking for the opportunity to slip away into a world of mystery and intrigue and rollicking laughs, says Andrew Scanlon, who plays Sherlock Holmes. “I think fans of Sherlock Holmes will love this adaptation, which plays very cleverly with all the creepy twists and turns of the classic story. But if you’ve never seen a Holmes mystery in your life, this is the absolute perfect comedic entry point!”

From lightning-fast costume changes to laugh-out-loud dialogue and a few howls in the night, The Hound of the Baskervilles is the perfect blend of classic storytelling and madcap comedy. Whether you’re a die-hard Holmes fan or simply love a good laugh, this production is sure to be a highlight of your summer.

Tickets are available now at www.lighthousetheatre.com or by calling 1-888-779-7703.

About Lighthouse Festival

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, cast interviews and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410
www.lighthousetheatre.com

Port Dover, ON – April 2, 2025 | Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce the exciting cast for its 2025 Summer Season, which promises to be a hilarious, diverse, and entertaining collection of performances. The season will feature five incredible productions, including the world-premiere of Pinkerton Comes to Prospect by Jamie Williams, Mark Crawford’s beloved comedy The New Canadian Curling Club, the classic mystery The Hound of the Baskervilles, the unique and memorable performance of Hidden Treasures, and the unforgettable Here on the Flight Path, both by Norm Foster.

“This year, we have an incredible lineup of plays, all guaranteed to bring joy, humour, and a sense of togetherness to our patrons,” says Jane Spence, Artistic Director of Lighthouse Festival. “From the world premiere of Pinkerton Comes to Prospect to the heartwarming comedy like The New Canadian Curling Club, this season truly has something for everyone. It’s a celebration of great stories and incredible talent, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it all.”

Cast Announcement

The cast for the five productions has been carefully selected to bring these stories to life. Highlights include:

• The New Canadian Curling Club is a moving and comedic look at new Canadians finding their footing on the curling rink. It features Frank Chung as Mike Chang, Mahsa Ershadifar as Fatima, Chiamaka Glory as Charmaine Bailey, John Jarvis as Stuart McPhail, and Andrew Prashad as Anoopjeet Singh.
  
• The Hound of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock favourite starring Jonathan Ellul as Watson, Sweeney Macarthur as Jason, and Andrew Scanlon as Javier/Sherlock, all of whom will play 17 different characters.
  
• Hidden Treasures: Our special presentation of two Norm Foster-penned, one-act plays presented as a single production starring Jennifer Dzialoszynski as Lacy/Cassie, Melanie Janzen as Barb/Angel, David Leyshon as Miles/John, and Stephen Sparks as Bob/Doctor.
  
• Pinkerton Comes to Prospect: The world premiere of Jamie Williams’ newest work will feature an exciting ensemble cast, including the Norfolk County talent of Ryan Bommarito as Herschel Penkerton, as well as Matt Olver as Doc, Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski as Amos, Jessica Sherman as Tallahassee Trigger, and Evelyn Wiebe as Lacy. Directed by Steven Gallagher, this laugh-a-minute western-themed play will have patrons rolling in the aisles and was featured in Lighthouse’s 2025 Play Development Festival.
  
• Here on the Flight Path: Examining one man’s relationship with three different women over several years, this Norm Foster classic is helmed by director Derek Ritschel and stars Julia Dyan as Fay, Angel and Gwen, and Reid Janisse as John.

Spence continues, “Each of these plays has been chosen for their ability to make us laugh and connect with one another, and I can’t wait to see the joy they bring to the stage. I’m so excited for this journey and look forward to celebrating the magic of live theatre with our patrons.”

Cast Reactions

Andrew Prashad, who plays Anoopjeet Singh in The New Canadian Curling Club, shares, “On their way home, the audiences will hopefully be thinking about the jokes and humour, but also how showing empathy for other people who are different, is a good thing in helping us understand one another.” He continues, “I love that my character is an honest, hardworking person who is trying to bring a smile to other people’s faces while doing his best for his family.”

Frank Chung, who portrays Mike Chang in The New Canadian Curling Club, adds, “I think audience members will be thinking a lot about what it truly means to be Canadian in an increasingly diverse world, but they will perhaps also think about how much it would cost to attend a Learn to Curl session!”

Mark Crawford, the playwright of The New Canadian Curling Club, explains, “This play originally premiered in 2018. Sitting here in 2025, it strikes me that a story about immigration, prejudice, and national identity is more relevant than ever. With threats to our sovereignty, many Canadians are taking a closer look at who we are and what we stand for. Lots of us are experiencing a renewed sense of patriotism. (Elbows up!) But despite all her great qualities, Canada isn’t perfect. As a theatre-maker, though, that’s the good stuff: conflict! I’m excited for you to meet these characters as they learn to curl, face challenges in a new land, and attempt to change and grow.” He continues, “I hope The New Canadian Curling Club tickles your funny bone. I also hope it makes you reflect on this great country we call home. Thanks for supporting Canadian culture. Enjoy the show. Hurry hard!”

Sweeney MacArthur, who plays Jason in The Hound of the Baskervilles, says, “I think the type of person that is going to love this show is the type of person that uses a funny voice to talk to their pets at home, then uses a different funny voice to answer!” He adds, “What I love most about my character in this show is there’s a dozen of them!”

This summer, Lighthouse Festival continues its legacy of offering funny, captivating, world-class performances in lakeside Port Dover and Port Colborne. The 2025 Summer Season promises to deliver unforgettable theatre moments, and the team is eager to welcome audiences back for another year of exceptional comedy.

Subscriptions and single tickets for the 2025 summer season are now on sale. For more information, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com or contact the box office at (888) 779-7703.

About Lighthouse Festival

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, cast interviews and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410
www.lighthousetheatre.com