Alton Mill Arts Centre - Floods, Fires, and Fortitude Tour

Step into the past with "Floods, Fires & Fortitude," an immersive experience that vividly brings local history to life. Guided by performer and playwright Jay Wilson, this unforgettable walking tour weaves together dramatic storytelling, historical facts, and a touch of theatrical magic.

From devastating floods to raging fires and the resilient spirits who rebuilt from the ashes, you’ll journey through the real stories that shaped our community. With Jay’s dynamic performance leading the way, history isn’t just told — it’s felt.

Perfect for history buffs, theatre lovers, and the simply curious.

Whether you're a local or a first-time visitor, get ready to see the village and Alton Mill like never before.

Runs rain or shine. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Fortitude encouraged.

🎟️ GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY 🎟️

Heads & Tales

Heads & Tales at La Poche

June 2025 - This was fun. Stay tuned as we're planning to do it again.

JayWalking Theatre, Guelph’s small but mighty theatre company, known for local walking tours, storytelling, and recitations, is debuting a new show, Heads & Tales at La Poche, 40 Quebec Street.

An actor arrives with a hat filled with stories, poems, and monologues. You pull out a story and Jay performs it. Jay has no idea what will be chosen and you the audience will be treated to an afternoon filled with surprises. It’s both an acting exercise and a delightful theatre experience. The idea was inspired by 19th century actor Edmund Kean who could recite nearly everything written by Shakespeare at the drop of a hat. This show isn’t Shakespeare, but is similar in that everything has to be rehearsed and ready, even if it is never used.

JayWalking Guelph has been hosting street theatre in the form of walking tours on the streets of downtown Guelph for 8 years. Last Fall The Gwelf Early Days Tour was performed as an indoor show at Guelph’s River Run Centre to a full house.

When not in Guelph, Jay is touring a one-man show, Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears. It features an array of delightful Irish characters in amusing situations and transports audiences to another time and place using the pure power of storytelling. There may be a tale of two from that show that will find it’s way into the hat.

It is strongly suggested that you arrive in good time as La Poche is a cozy, charming venue with a capacity of 30.

Guelph Public Library

JayWalking Guelph loves the Guelph Public Library and the Guelph Public Library loves JayWalking Guelph.

So here's an offer you can't refuse.

Free storytelling walking tours

Wednesday July 30 6-7:30pm The Gwelf Early Days Tour. Register HERE

Thursday August 28 6-7:30pm The Unfortunate Man Tour. Register HERE

Worried about the weather? Never fear. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll move indoors to the Program room in the main library. Jay will recite the same great stories, but rather than visit the sites we'll add pictures and sound effects.

THAT'S SO GUELPH!

New performance added

Show alert here. New date just added. See you April 9...2026! at Guelph's River Run Centre.

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears. Jay uses the pure power of storytelling to transport you to another place, another time. Lovely Irish characters in amusing situations.

Your community deserves this show too. BOOK NOW. JayWalkingGuelph@gmail.com 519 820-3269

Walking Tour - sans walking!

Yes, these are great indoor shows too!

Details HERE

Perfect for your social group, Rotary club, Probus club, school...

JayWalking Theatre

 

Great Stories. Well Told.

Floods, Fires and Fortitude. - Alton Ontario

I came across this lovely sentiment while reviewing my notes for the upcoming storytelling walking tour.

Nancy Early wrote a wonderful tribute to William Algie, the man behind the Beaver Knitting Mill (Alton Mill Arts Centre). His influence can be found throughout Alton and beyond.

Here's what his brother Robert said as William was laid to rest at the Alton cemetery, "...if everyone to whom he has done some kindly, generous act were to bring a blossom to his grave he would sleep tonight beneath a wilderness of flowers."

Experience the thrills, joys, struggles and tenderness as we stroll through the Alton Mill Arts Centre and village of Alton Ontario this summer.

🎫GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY🎫