Tour time already?

I think April 13 is the earliest I have ever hosted a walking tour.

Groups of four or more. Any day, any time.

Call 519 820-3269 or jaywalkingguelph@gmail.com to book yours.

Great Stories. Well Told.

 Great Stories. Well Told. HERE

Live Theatre in Guelph Ontario

 

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears

One Man. Many Voices. An Irish tapestry of humour and heart.

GUELPH, ON – April 2026 — In Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, veteran Ontario actor and storyteller Jay Wilson offers an evening of richly theatrical storytelling drawn from the spirit of rural Ireland. On Thursday, April 9 at 8 p.m. in the River Run Centre’s Studio Theatre, Wilson inhabits a gallery of unforgettable characters — revealing lives shaped by resilience, mischief, longing, and love.

With more than five decades of experience on stage, Wilson moves fluidly from one voice to another, embodying figures such as Fiddler O’Flaherty, the formidable Widow O’Donnell, Devlin Haggerty — and even Frances O’Feline, a cat of uncommon presence. Each portrait is rendered with emotional nuance and a deep respect for the rhythms of oral tradition, where laughter and loss are never far apart.

The production is adapted from a collection of stories by the late Charlene Herrold, a long-time family friend whose writing captured the cadence and character of Irish village life. When Wilson first encountered her work, he recognized in it the bones of theatre — intimate monologues alive with possibility. What began as a creative exploration gradually grew into a fully realized one-person show and a tribute to both the author and the storytelling tradition she cherished.

Early presentations with the Guelph Guild of Storytellers gradually evolved into a full one-person production. Following sold-out performances at Theatre Collingwood’s 2023 Porchside Festival, Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears has continued to resonate with audiences across Ontario. The production blends theatrical craft with heartfelt storytelling, inviting audiences into a world where wit softens sorrow and every life, no matter how ordinary, carries quiet significance.

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.

Tickets to Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears are $30 for adults, $28 for patrons over 60 years old, and $25 for those under 30. Sliding Scale tickets are available for $10 and $20. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or go to https://riverrun.ca/whats-on/lilt-of-laughter-trace-of-tears/.

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The Myth of the One-Man Show

 A one-man show is never really a one-man show.

When the lights come up and a performer steps onto the stage alone, the audience sees a single storyteller. What they don’t see are the many creative hands that helped build the world around him.

That’s certainly the case with Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, coming to the River Run Centre Studio Theatre on April 9.

The show begins with the writing of Cambridge author Charlene Herrold (1920–2009). Her collection of stories imagined the spirited Irish village of Ballycarlene — a place where neighbours gossip across fences, fiddlers play late into the night, and the everyday dramas of village life unfold with equal measures of humour and heartbreak.

Those stories have now been adapted for the stage by Guelph actor and storyteller Jay Wilson, who performs the one-man production, bringing to life a lively cast of characters including Terrible Tom O’Malley, the Widow O’Donnell, Fiddler O’Flaherty, and even the cat, Frances O’Feline. Following enthusiastic audience response at Theatre Collingwood’s Porchside Festival, the show has since travelled to stages across Ontario.

But while only one performer appears on stage, the production itself reflects a number of local creative collaborators.

Simple set pieces were built by Fergus craftsman Jim Hoare, a long-time supporter of community theatre, while the visual world of the show is shaped by scenic artwork from Guelph illustrator and painter Robin Baird Lewis, whose artistic career spans more than five decades and more than thirty children’s books.

Together, these artists — writer, performer, builder, and painter — reflect something easy to overlook: the depth of creative talent that exists throughout our region.

That local creative ecosystem depends on spaces where artists can share their work. For Wilson it is encouraging to see the River Run Centre providing opportunities for professional artists from our community to perform alongside national and international programming.

Across the city there are signs that this cultural community is gaining new recognition. The Guelph Arts Council will soon launch the GRETAs (Guelph Recognition of Excellence in the Arts), celebrating artists and innovators whose work enriches the life of the community. At the same time, the City of Guelph has recently adopted a cultural plan that recognizes the importance of supporting and nurturing the arts locally.

Perhaps one day this momentum will lead to the development of a resident professional theatre company devoted to telling stories rooted here — stories that reflect not only Guelph’s past, but the many cultures and lived experiences that shape the city today.

In the meantime, productions like Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears remind us that storytelling is alive and well in Guelph. All it takes is a good story, a few dedicated artists, and an audience willing to come along for the ride.

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears will be performed at the River Run Centre Studio Theatre on April 9 at 8 p.m.

Tickets to Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears are $30 for adults, $28 for patrons over 60 years old, and $25 for those under 30. Sliding Scale tickets are available for $10 and $20. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or go to https://riverrun.ca/whats-on/lilt-of-laughter-trace-of-tears/

70 years in the making

I am often asked, "how long did it take you to do this?"

Honest answer? For every artist "My whole life."

TICKETS HERE

Thursday April 9, 2026

What to expect at the Guelph River Run Centre, Thursday night, April 9, 2026

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.

TICKETS

In the spirit of the Irish West, where the Atlantic air sharpens the wit and softens the heart, these tales unfold with a lilt of laughter and a trace of tears. In villages not unlike those along the Connemara coast, bachelors debate the tourist trade, mothers defend their sons from marriage, widows guard their dignity, fiddlers lose their composure, and friends go to outrageous lengths to honour one of their own.

Told in a rich folkloric voice, these stories celebrate the stubborn loyalty, absurd bravery, and aching tenderness that bind ordinary people together. Expect roaring laughter, sudden hushes, and that familiar Irish alchemy that turns mischief into meaning. You’ll leave warmed, restored, and reminded that even our greatest foolishness is often rooted in love.

Guelph race for Mayor

Sometimes I take a break and just enjoy being silly.

Storytime in Elora

I'll be sharing a tale at this event. 

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.

Springtime in Guelph 2026

As a cross country skier the transition from winter to spring is an emotional one for me. I love the quiet, clean, mosquito-free, crispness of winter and mourn its departure, while at the same time feel the joy associated with the coming warmth.

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

Guelph 200

With all the emphasis on the upcoming performance of Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears and the launching of Heads and Tales, it's easy to forget the other great shows in the repertoire.

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.

Guelph Theatre Fans

 

Lining up a couple of performances for this show. Stay tuned for announcements.

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.

THEATRE BOXES

I have always been a fan of theatre boxes. They are so versatile and can become almost anything. 

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

TICKETS HERE

JAYWalking Theatre

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.

TICKETS

Guelph River Run Centre

...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.

Guelph Arts Council

June 26, 2025 I joined the Board of Directors of the Guelph Arts Council.

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

One day in 2025 I had had enough. Every week I read Adam Donaldson's columns in Guelph Today as well as following his "politico". I began wondering what it would be like to be a Councillor in Guelph, having to face the challenges day in and day out. This sent me to my laptop and my exploration of playwriting.

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.