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

Guelph Arts Council Golden Anniversary

Lovely article HERE about Sally Wismer and the Guelph Arts Council

Come celebrate with us Register HERE after verifying you are human 😊

Entertainment: 

~8:20pm-8:30pm - Dance - Heather Cornell & Georgia Simms

~8:35pm-8:45pm – Theatre - Jay Wilson

~8:50pm-9:00pm - Music - Arshia Shah

Quebec Street Shoppes , Saturday Nov 22 7:30pm onwards

Sally Wismer

Storytime

Now rehearsing some tales for an upcoming event of which I am very honoured to be a part. (whew that was hard not to say "be a part of")

Come celebrate with us 50 years of the Guelph Arts Council. They have invited me to recite some favourites from Heads & Tales.

I'm not the only one on the bill however. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as we get closer to Saturday November 22. The fun starts at 7pm in their new home in the Quebec Street Mall.

I hear there are snacks too! In fact here are the details

And a bit about me:

Bio:Jay Wilson

50 plus years as an actor with various Ontario theatre companies interspersed with administrative work with The National Tap Dance Co. of Canada, The Ontario Lottery Corporation, The Gravenhurst Opera House and Theatre Collingwood, Jay is known locally for JayWalking Guelph. A volunteer guide with The Guelph Arts Council’s historic walks, Jay has recently joined the Board at GAC. Watch for his one-man show Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears coming to Guelph’s River Run Centre April 2026.

Performance Description: Heads & Tales

Inspired by Edmund Kean who could recite any Shakespeare monologue at the drop of a hat, a lot of monologues, poems, and recitations, have gone into Jay’s head over the years. To keep them fresh, titles are placed in a hat. You draw a title and Jay recites it. Neither of us knows what to expect. Like Cracker Jacks – a surprise every time! This performance will have some Guelph references.

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

Guelph Arts Council Golden Anniversary

50 years! One of Ontario's oldest and effective arts councils. Come join us as we celebrate you.

Saturday November 22 7-11pm. Come celebrate and join us as we unveil a new Gallery/Performance venue and the new home of the Guelph Arts Council located in the Quebec Street Mall 

What is the name of this new space? Well, that's what you will find out in addition to entertainment, prizes and a chance to reminisce. See where we've been and learn about where we're going.

It's really YOUR celebration Guelph. 50 years of arts!

The event is free. Donations appreciated. All are welcome. RSVP HERE