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Who doesn't love bunnies and leprechauns?
Bearly A Hare, Jo-Anne Barclay Author and Courtney Truong Illustrator - the book (Bunny)
The Butter Maker of Connemara, Charlene Herrold Author, Jay Wilson Performer - storytelling (Leprechaun)
At Café Crêperie 40 Mill Street West one of my 'must stops' when visiting Elora
Thursday March 26, 5-8pm
Mmm that Latte looks delicious.
Jay at JayWalkingGuelph@gmail.com
The Story The Butter Maker of Connemara
In a windswept corner of Connemara, a gifted butter maker and her midnight-black cat become the talk of the village, as whispers of magic and mischief swirl around them. But behind the gossip lies a secret far more enchanting—and surprising—than anyone dares imagine.
The Author – Charlene Herrold 1920-2009
From Alma Ontario, Charlene moved to Galt ON in the 1950’s. Well known writer, director, actor and stage manager with Galt Little Theatre and an interior designer with Jim Wilson Interiors for many years.
The Storyteller – Jay Wilson
For more than 50 years, Jay Wilson has brought stories to life on Ontario stages as an actor, director, and storyteller. With a gift for finding the music in a tale, he invites audiences into worlds where laughter and legend walk hand in hand.
For years spring also signaled the coming of, what we in Ontario call, The Summer Theatre Season. Having worked in theatre administration for many years, spring was an exciting time. That hard work during fall and winter was about to pay off as announcements of the upcoming summer theatre season were launched.
Come celebrate this excitement with me this spring here in Guelph. Thursday April 9 I arrive at Guelph's River Run Centre Studio Theatre for a performance of my favourite show, Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears. Tickets here
I see this as the highlight of my theatre career and look forward to sharing these heartfelt stories penned by Charlene Herrold.
Since you are a fan of JayWalking Theatre, (your reading this blog) here is a sneak peak of the new set for this show, constructed by Jim Hoare and expertly designed and painted by artist Robin Baird Lewis.
I hope you will join me for this performance. Your attendance will mean a lot to me as Charlene was a very close and long time family friend.
This show is part of the Showcase Series, which features one-of-a-kind, theatrical performances. It is proudly supported by River Run’s 2025/26 Season Sponsor, Richardson Wealth, as well as with funding from the Government of Canada.
Jay
The Unfortunate Man is still thrilling audiences on the streets of Guelph. Be sure to book your group this season. This street theatre piece has been thrilling audiences for over 8 years. At the end of every season I say it is the last, only to receive requests for more. 2027 will absolutely be the last year for this. So see it in 2026 or 2027 before it's gone.
Gwelf Early Days is the perfect bicentennial program. In fact soon you will hear about an updated indoor version coming to a theatre near you in January 2027 to kick off Guelph 200. Work on this new rendition has already begun. You can book the outdoor version which is fun because we go live on location. I do like the indoor version too however as live on stage is where I am most comfortable. I have more control and I don't have to worry about distractions such as traffic noise and weather.
To summarize, book a JayWalking performance, attend an event, or ask me how I can animate your gathering.
One Hat. One Stage. Endless Possibilities.
As a student of theatre, Jay was captivated by legendary performers who could recite poetry, speeches, or any text at the drop of a hat. In Heads & Tales, he does just that: drop the hat and entertain.
Over the years, monologues, poems, and unforgettable passages have gathered in the recesses of his mind. To keep them alive, the titles go into a hat. You draw one. Jay performs it. Neither of you knows what’s coming next.
Every performance is different. Every draw is a surprise.
An evening of stories, wit, and words brought vividly to life.
Come curious. Leave surprised.
Master storyteller Jay Wilson invites you into a world of Irish wit, warmth, and wonder.
In Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, Fiddler O’Flaherty, The Widow O’Donnell, Devlin Haggerty, Terrible Tom O’Malley—and even Frances O’Feline, the cat—share tales of mischief, heartbreak, and unexpected turns.
One night only: Thursday, April 9 at the Guelph River Run Centre.
As risers they also allow for levels, breaking up visuals nicely and really animating the stage with varied movement.
I'm so lucky to have some of my very own, looking forward to incorporating them into my next performance of Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears.
You're coming I hope
Ready, SET, go.
The new set is now ready. You can see the reveal Thursday April 9 at Guelph's River Run Centre.
No, we can't show it to you yet. You will have to come and see it for yourself.
Jim Hoare, master builder and Robin Baird Lewis, hugely talented scenic artist have created what we call Ballycarlene in honour of author Charlene Herrold. Ballycarlene resides somewhere between Persephone Township, County Mayo and the imagination of Charlene.
It's a lovely place to visit evoking laughter and laughter-tears.
The pure power of storytelling will transport you there and these charming characters will warm your soul.
Live theatre at it's finest.
Don't miss it.
...and then your theatre.
Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears is admittedly Jay's favourite artistic project. These charming stories by Charlene Herrold are much loved by everyone who comes in contact with them.
The upcoming show at the studio theatre in Guelph's River Run Centre Thursday April 9 will see a new modest set to compliment the stories, but still leave much to the audience's imagination, which is exactly the intent, after all it's the audience experience that matters.
Two local and respected theatre artists, Jim Hoare (Set Construction) and Robin Baird Lewis (Scenic Art) are contributing their talents.
This play will warm your soul, evoking laughter and "laughter-tears".
If you've never experienced this show, I highly recommend it.
If you are a theatre presenter come and see for yourself. Let's work together to share this show with others. The world needs this show right now.
Nov 22, 2025 "GAC" celebrated it's Golden Anniversary, 50 years!
Jan 8, 2026 the Board reconvenes.
Do you have a pressing issue concerning arts and culture in Guelph that you feel should be brought to our attention?
Of course being a volunteer organization offering an idea is a double edge sword, for the next thing we'll say is "That's a great idea, why not head it up and chair the committee?"
All kidding aside, keep an eye out. We've got some very exciting plans for 2026/27.
Guelph celebrates a Bicentennial in 2027 and while I'll enjoy this one, I may not be around for the next one. 😊
Kit Kat Killer is still in draft form however the 2026 Guelph Fringe Festival has just announced entries for the 2026 August event are now being accepted and I encourage you to apply. Think of the $25 entry fee as a charitable donation to keep the festival running.
If selected you can easily recoup the participation fee and reward yourself (and collaborators) with the "spoils" knowing that patrons paid money to see your product.
Will Kit Kat Killer see the light of day? We'll find out when the lottery draw takes place sometime near the end of February. DETAILS HERE
The Guelph Fringe Festival is yet another way to celebrate the arts and maybe, just maybe Kit Kat Killer will provide the solution to Guelph's municipal government challenges.
While I don't take in all the performances, those that catch my eye I try to attend. It's a fun festival. I encourage you to apply.