Christmas already?

Book NOW!

This 10 minute compressed version of "A Christmas Carol" includes all your favourite characters, the ghosts and, of course, Scrooge. An array of atmospheric sound effects compliment the story, now a poem of rhyming couplets, making for a delightful holiday tradition in the style of "theatre of the mind".

Being only 10 minutes it can be performed multiple times and makes for a great addition to you holiday neighbourhood party, seasonal market, special event...

Looking for something longer? There is a 30 minute show which includes additional stories and audience participation.

Standing by: jaywalkingguelph@gmail.com 519 820-3269

Make your holiday event stand out. Soon to be a tradition.

Guelph Arts Council Special Announcement

Breaking news.

The Guelph Arts Council, at their 50th Anniversary Celebration on Nov 22 introduced their latest project - The GRETAs (Guelph Recognition of Excellence In The Arts). Not an awards program but rather a celebration and recognition event, acting as a catalyst to continue bringing the arts together. After all that's one of the things the Guelph Arts Council does.

The GRETAs also acts a fundraiser for the Guelph Arts Council so it can continue the vital work of championing the arts - advocacy.

It's a brand new program. Details on how you can become involved appear HERE

The big event will occur February 28, 2027. A Guelph Bicentennial Event AND a legacy project as it will be an annual celebration of the arts.

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears

 Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears

A one-man theatrical journey through Irish wit and resilience

Written by: Charlene Herrold

Adapted and performed by: Jay Wilson (JayWalking Theatre)

Running time: Approximately 60 minutes (no intermission)

Format: Solo theatre performance

About the Show

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears is a heartfelt celebration of Irish storytelling — full of humour, humanity, and heart, bringing to life a tapestry of unforgettable characters that evoke laughter one minute and quiet reflection the next.

The piece connects audiences through universal themes of belonging, resilience, and joy, offering an intimate, moving experience.

Artistic Background

With more than 50 years of experience in live theatre, Jay Wilson is a Guelph-based theatre artist performing as JayWalking Theatre.

His recent experience includes producing and directing for the Guelph Museums Backyard Theatre Project, creating and leading JayWalking Guelph — storytelling walking tours of Guelph history, and special projects work at the Gravenhurst Opera House.

He spent eight years with Theatre Collingwood in fundraising, administration, and performance, and is the founder of Pandora’s Sox Puppet Company, including touring seniors’ productions for the international Puppets Up! Festival.

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears has been performed with Theatre Collingwood, and in Guelph, Uxbridge, and Edgar, Ontario. A new set is being prepared for a 2026 performance at Guelph’s River Run Centre, with plans to tour Ontario in 2027.

Technical Requirements

    • Performance area: approx. 15’ x 12’

    • Basic lighting (warm general wash)

    • Simple set: table, chair, backdrop (can be provided by artist)

    • Suitable for community halls, heritage venues, and black box theatres

    • Portable sound system with cues preloaded

Audience

Ideal for:

    • General audiences (ages 12+)

    • Lovers of storytelling, history, and cultural tales inspired by Irish heritage

    • Community and heritage events, performing arts series, and literary festivals

Contact

Jay Wilson – JayWalking Theatre

Guelph, Ontario

📞 519-820-3269

📧 jaywalkingguelph@gmail.com

🌐 JayWalkingGuelph.ca/lilt-of-laughter

Christmas at the Guelph Library

Thursday December 11, 2025 at 7:00pm

A 30 minute Christmas presentation followed by a Christmas craft.

A holiday feast for the senses. Admission free, but you must register. HERE

The Guelph Library - East Side Branch. 1 Starwood Drive

I'll kick off the festivities with this Live Radio Drama, a retelling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol as you have never experienced before. Atmospheric sound effects compliment the voices of Jacob Marley, Scrooge, and all the ghosts.

Followed by some holiday favourites. Christmas stories to warm our hearts.

Then the library staff will guide us through making stove top scents.

All ages, everyone welcome. 

I hope to see some familiar faces and some new ones. I look forward to this event every year. Thank you Guelph Public Library