Christmas 2026

The time to book this show is NOW.

Perfect for house parties, neighbourhood gatherings, Libraries, Galleries, Intimate spaces, any Christmas event where stories are appreciated.

Isn't That the Dickens!

There is something wonderfully simple about gathering together to listen to a holiday story. A storyteller, a familiar tale, and the invitation to let your imagination do the rest.

Isn't That the Dickens! is a playful retelling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, re-imagined as rhyming verse and presented in the spirit of an old-fashioned radio play.

Jay Wilson draws listeners into the world of Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing characters to life through poetic verse and atmospheric sound effects. Ghosts appear, unexpected visitors arrive, and moments of mischief give way to the transformation of a man who has forgotten how to care about others.

And no Christmas storytelling gathering would be complete without A Visit from St. Nicholas, the beloved poem that begins "'Twas the night before Christmas..." — Christmas magic that has delighted generations.

The audience is invited to listen, laugh and allow the sounds and words to create the pictures. Children and adults share the same experience, each discovering something different in the telling.

At its heart, this is a celebration of Christmas storytelling — a chance for families, friends and neighbours to spend a little time together, enjoying stories about generosity, kindness and the possibility of change.

Created and performed by Jay Wilson / JayWalking Theatre

wilsonjay7@gmail.com    519 820-3269

Guelph Public Library - Farewell To Main

It is no secret Guelph is getting a new library!

So soon we will say farewell to the 100 Norfolk Street Main Branch.

Library Recollections
Your memories and stories from 100 Norfolk Street

Do you remember your first visit? A favourite librarian? Bringing your children? Something funny, unexpected or important that happened here?

Come sit down with Jay for a few minutes and help preserve some of the memories of 100 Norfolk Street. Your stories will help inspire a special storytelling event celebrating the people and memories that have been part of the Main Library’s life.

Want to share your memory? Reach out and let's arrange a time. You know how to reach me.

Creating Guelph - Diggable Downtown Walking Tours

It might seem like an odd choice, selecting a book that deals primarily with performing art history in Guelph when researching for a walking tour where the focus is infrastructure.

However, I discovered a wonderful connection.

Come hear what Robert Munsch had to say about St. George's Square in 1992!

Tickets HERE

 

Guelph 200 Preparations

Spending Thanksgiving, reviewing Guelph's 150th anniversary to see if there are some ideas worth considering for Guelph's 200. Why re-invent the wheel eh?

A parade still comes to the top of the list. Look at this - huge crowds - even a helicopter to capture the excitement!

And a grand ball can raise a lot of money for a worthwhile legacy project.

Booking information and Tickets to upcoming shows

You don't want to miss a single show, so here is your "go to" site for all things JayWalking Theatre.

Amazing ticket link HERE

This is where you can access tickets/reservations to:

(Guelph) The Unfortunate Man Halloween Walking Tour any day, any time. Private group tour

(Guelph) Diggable Downtown Walking Tours - , Fri Oct 16 (sold out), Sat Oct 17 (sold out) & Wed Oct 21

(Elora) Heads & Tales - Elora Public Library - Thurs Nov 12 (Registration coming soon)

(Guelph) Farewell To Main - Library Recollections - Sat Nov 28 & Mon Dec 14

(Guelph) Isn't That The Dickens - Christmas show at the Sally Wismer Gallery - Sat Dec 5 & Sat Dec 12 (tickets coming soon)

(Guelph) Gwelf Early Days Bicentennial Show at the Guelph River Run Centre - Sun Jan 17, 2027

and book performances for Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears and Heads & Tales

Guelph's Diggable Downtown Tours

 

We take a deep dive into the underground of downtown Guelph to learn about what keeps this city healthy and alive.  

TICKETS HERE

A walking tour with a difference.

Overview:

It's about construction and more! Taste the evolution of Downtown and learn how we're paving the way to an even brighter future.

Guelph's Diggable Downtown Tours

Get ready to explore the heart of the city like never before with Guelph's Diggable Downtown Tours! This isn't your normal walking tour. Join City staff for some downtown fun (yes, fun with City staff!!) while learning about the construction process, progress, and how we got here.

Downtown enthusiasts, construction enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun way to explore their community, don't miss this opportunity!

Your ticket comes with

• a guided tour and information about Downtown construction from experts at the City food and beverage samples from select Downtown businesses along the way

• info-tainment and dramatic interludes with JayWalking

• a $10 voucher to take away to use at a participating Downtown business of your choice!

Construction like this on Wyndham Street happens once in a generation, and for a limited time this fall, we will see all stages of the construction from the original paving to big holes to concrete pours and finished surfaces live as we move throughout the street.

When can I bring Heads & Tales to your gathering?

Here's a sample of part of a story you might hear at Heads & Tales.

Recorded at the Minto Arts Council Gallery.