Edgar Community Hall - Old Barrie Road - Shanty Bay ON

I am going to be performing Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears in this charming historic facility on Sunday May 12 (Mother's Day) at 2:00pm.

Many years ago I lived on a farm near this building.

I have been speaking with Oro Township, asking for some history about the Community Hall to include in an upcoming press release about the show. Lori from the Township of Oro has been most helpful. She sent me this school picture she came across from 1893.

It's an interesting photo. Some of the children look to old and some look to young to be attending school. There seems to be an inordinate amount of adults in the picture. Surely there would be one teacher in this one-room school and maybe a part-time custodian.

I also like the way the photographer has not only lined up the children according to height in each row, he has also placed tree branches across the front row, giving it a country feel.

You can also conclude that there are some students likely connected to the nearby African Episcopal Methodist Church who are attending S.S. #6.

I look forward to learning more about The Edgar Hall and I especially look forward to animating the space with some charming Irish stories.

Imagine life in this area in 1893!

Historic Ennotville Library

For those following this blog you will recall that Alison was commandeered into creating an image of the Ennotville Library so that I could include it in a poster for the Father's Day performance of Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears which will take place at this charming venue.

She started by doing a pastel, but quickly abandoned that idea preferring to do a pencil drawing.

This is currently where she is at - it's early yet but I am looking forward to see where this goes.

Fathers from all over Ontario are going to love the poster...and the show!

And here is the incompleted pastel, which no longer exists.

Indoor tour - Scandalous Guelph April 27, 2024

AN INDOOR WALKING TOUR!

For those who want to hear the stories but don't want to walk in all types of weather, JayWalking Guelph has the perfect solution...indoor tours!

When discovering the stories for the Scandalous Guelph Tour, I came across pictures of old buildings, tombstones, newspaper headlines, and obscure photographs of people. "One day these will come in handy", I said. At the same time, when reading these true tales I would often hear sounds, howling wind, thunder, a distant train whistle, voices, and music.

Tickets for the indoor Scandalous Guelph Show available HERE 

The outdoor tours are marvelous because we often stand on the very spot where the event took place. I seek out unique locations to visit and we are in nature, surrounded by striking architecture. We feel the wind on our face or the heat of the sun while listening to these fascinating stories.

An indoor tour removes the distractions, the screeching of cars, loud sirens, trucks backing up and airplanes. The pictures transport us to another time.

All three of the walking tours, Gwelf Early Days, The Unfortunate Man and Scandalous Guelph have indoor versions and I am very excited to be bringing Scandalous Guelph to 10C Shared Space on Saturday April 27, 2024

Guelph Walking Tours

Another endorsement. Giovanna & guest braved a January, 2024 storm, insisting that we go ahead with the walk. Here's what she had to say after the tour.

"Thank you so much for the tour! We loved it, in spite of the weather conditions. We are already planning our next visit to Guelph and have agreed we definitely need more walking tours!
I look forward to seeing you in the spring!"

Giovanna Iosso
Wisconsin

Music to this tour guide's ears. 

Groups have more fun

It really is more fun in a group. Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre put together this Guelph Group Guide which is full of terrific activities for groups

JayWalking Guelph offers the ultimate flexibility for groups of 4 or more = Any tour, any day, any time! How's that!?

Book now jaywalkingguelph@gmail.com

Summer Theatre

Summer theatre has been a passion of mine...forever. From my teenage years working with The Grand Street Players in Galt ON, to my time spent at The Gravenhurst Opera House and Theatre Collingwood.

The summer theatre season has always stirred up intense feelings of joy and excitement.

It is no surprise then that I have come up with a summer theatre tour of my own in my "golden years".

The Show - Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, a one-man show featuring delightful Irish characters in amusing and unusual situations.

Sunday March 17, St. Patrick's Day 7pm Red Brick Cafe, 8 Douglas Street, Guelph

Sunday May 12, Mother's Day 2pm. Edgar Community Hall (near Barrie ON)

Sunday June 16, Father's Day 2pm. Historic Ennotville Library (between Guelph & Fergus)