Pussycat, pussycat

You know it.

"Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been? 

I've been up to London to visit the Queen..."

Well there's a new take on this rhyme, specifically constructed for Tea 'N' Tales

Come witness this new tail, er tale.

Friday morning August 14, Riverside Park, Enabling Garden - the prettiest spot in Guelph

( I know, it says I am to appear Aug 28. I've been bumped, it's now August 14'th honest)

Entertainment gets underway at 10am. Stories at 10:30

JayWalking Guelph will be there with this new story and some other tales from Heads & Tales

PLUS Elizabeth Matson - a storyteller you do not want to miss

See you then!

Small Venue Pitches

I'm delighted to be presenting Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears as part of SPARC (Supporting Performing Arts in Rural and Remote Communities)'s Small Venue Pitch Program.

If you're a presenter—or help organize entertainment for a community hall, library, theatre, arts council, museum, or other intimate venue—this program is well worth exploring.

The showcase features theatre, music, children's programming, and more, all created with smaller venues in mind by professional artists from across Ontario.

You can learn more HERE OR contact me and I will put you in touch directly.

And if you know someone who books live entertainment for your community, I'd appreciate you sharing this with them.

Brian Holstein recites "Ode To JayWalking Guelph"

A few years ago I performed a poem for Tea 'N' Tales. Brian Holstein returned the favour by composing this for me.

Give a listen. You'll find it most enjoyable.

Oh, and here's how all this started.

Jay Wilson

Who is Jay Wilson? 

Jay Wilson is a storyteller, actor, and creator drawn to powerful writing and unforgettable stories. From his one man shows to his JayWalking Guelph tours, he seeks out compelling text - rich in character, tension and truth - and brings it to life for stage and street. For Jay a strong script is the heart of every performance, inviting audiences to lean in, listen closely, and discover something that lingers long after the final word.

Would you like to stay in touch? From time to time I send a brief email about upcoming walking tours, storytelling performances, and new projects. If you'd like to receive occasional updates simply send me a note at JayWalkingGuelph@gmail.com and I will add you to Friends of JayWalking. I write only when there is something genuinely worth sharing.

Heads & Tales Storytelling Theatre

Tour schedule. 

No two shows are the same. It all depends what you pull out of the hat!

Tea 'N Tales 10:30am Friday Aug 14. Just show up. Guelph Enabling Garden, Riverside Park Guelph NOTE this is a date change. Some event calendars may say August 28. I assure you, it is Friday Aug 14

The lovely gallery at Minto Arts Council Culture Days. 6:30pm Tuesday Sept 29 It is a pay what you wish event.

Elora Public Library 6:30pm Thursday Nov 12 Registration details to be announced

Your picnic, gathering, library, intimate venue - Call me.

A hat full of titles. A room full of words.

A night of stories chosen by chance.

You draw the title. I take the leap.  

The True Story of the Harvey Murders 1889

 

The Unfortunate Man: Guelph’s Most Shocking True Crime Story

In March 1889, the Royal City was shaken by a tragedy so shocking that businesses closed, crowds filled the streets, and newspapers declared that no event in Canadian history had inspired such grief, fascination, and horror.

The Unfortunate Man retraces the final days of William Harvey—a respected accountant and devoted church leader whose life collapsed under the weight of financial disgrace, culminating in one of Canada’s most haunting crimes.

Through dramatic recitation, hear vivid newspaper accounts, courtroom testimony, eyewitness descriptions, and Harvey’s own final words brought chillingly to life.

More than a true crime tour, this is a powerful exploration of Victorian Guelph, public morality, faith, justice, mental illness, and the fragile line between respectability and despair.

A story that stunned a nation.
A tragedy that still echoes through Guelph’s streets.

90 minutes • Gentle walk • Mature audiences

Book a Private Tour

Enjoy The Unfortunate Man as a private walking tour for your own group of four or more. CONTACT ME

Heads and Tales at the Guelph Public Library

I've never done a performance at the West End Branch on Imperial Road.

Did you know they have a lovely outdoor patio? Might be a perfect spot for storytelling.

We had a great time July 2 at the Main Branch. 

Up next, Thursday Aug 6 at 6pm  Register HERE

Like all library programs the show is free.

Live stories. Zero safety net. Come curious. Leave surprised.  

Exciting news about Guelph's upcoming Bicentennial celebrations 2027

Gwelf Early Days at The River Run Centre 

Sunday January 17, 2027 at 2pm

TICKETS HERE

"I've always wanted to experience this show, but I am not really a fan of walking tours"

"Well have I got good news for you!" 

Gwelf Early Days is now an immersive indoor show. Same great stories, journal entries, newspaper accounts, diary writings and poetry revealing the humour, hardship and ambition of carving a city out of the forest.

Photographs and sound effects compliment the performance transporting you to 19'th century Guelph

And it is coming to The River Run Centre in January 2027 to kick off the Bicentennial celebrations.

You don't want to miss this!

JayWalking Theatre

I am drawn to one of theatre's oldest traditions: a performer standing before an audience and holding their attention through story, character, humour, and humanity.

It is a simple form. It requires little more than a voice, an imagination, and a willing audience. Yet it remains one of the most powerful ways we have of connecting with one another.

Summertime in Southern Ontario

Summertime is story time and nothing beats listening to a story under the trees as the sun settles for the evening. 

Have a look here

It's easy to create a small amphitheatre-like configuration with chairs or benches. Maybe a small campfire for atmosphere and natural bug repellant, and of course friends and family of all ages.

It's an easy way to entertain your guests and won't bother the neighbours.

Makes for a lovely summer event.

Invite a storyteller to your next gathering.

Why, Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears?

I am drawn to one of theatre's oldest traditions: a performer standing before an audience and holding their attention through story, character, humour, and humanity.

It is a simple form. It requires little more than a voice, an imagination, and a willing audience. Yet it remains one of the most powerful ways we have of connecting with one another.

I look forward to sharing Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears with you.

Guelph Bicentennial 2027

Took a lovely group of "Bicentennial boosters" on a Gwelf Early Days walking tour last night.

Their enthusiasm for making Guelph wonderful (more wonderful?) was infectious.

Now it's your turn - Here I am

JayWalking Theatre - Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears

A sample from the upcoming video.

Book NOW

Celebrating love, family, and the quiet moments that touch us all.

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears a movie?

No, but we are making a video - a promotion video for theatre presenters.

Live theatre is a thing worth sharing and Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears is a show worth experiencing.

It's early stages yet, but here's a small taste of things to come.

The Butter Maker of Connemara by Charlene Herrold from Heads & Tales

This is a rehearsal recording so it's very rough but the quality of the writing is all there.

This story will soon be ready to be performed at your next storytelling event.

How can you have it at your event - Go HERE for details.

Now relax and enjoy this tale...

You draw the title. I take the leap. Heads & Tales

That's the spirit behind Heads & Tales.

It works well in intimate community spaces, libraries, galleries, studios...

You can access my Booking Information HERE

There’s something electric about stories shared live in a room full of attentive listeners.

A hat full of titles.. A room full of words.

Each performance is different depending on what titles are drawn from the hat.

Up next: Thursday July 2 at 6:00pm. Guelph Library West End Branch, 21 Imperial Road

Stay up to date with walking tours, storytelling performances and show offerings

Would you like to stay in touch?

From time to time, I send a brief email about upcoming walking tours, storytelling performances, and new projects. If you'd like to receive occasional updates, simply send me a note at JayWalkingGuelph@gmail.com and I'll add you to Friends of JayWalking.

I write only when there is something genuinely worth sharing.

Guelph Arts Council's Historic Walking Tours

In addition to JAYWalking Guelph, I volunteer to lead some of the Guelph Arts Council's Historic Walks.

 Up next for me is Altar & Hearth - Exhibition Park Sunday May 31 at 10:00am.

Order on-line OR $10 cash. Just show up. I will meet you at the Guelph Public Library - Main Branch on Norfolk Street. Free parking. We depart promptly at 10am. Approximately 90 minutes.

There is some very cool stuff on this tour: fascinating information about the history of Exhibition Park, the first airplane to fly over Guelph, great neighbourhood stories, Jean Little's house...

Uncertain about the weather? Call me that morning to confirm if the tour is a 'go' 519 820-3269

100% of proceeds go toward the Guelph Arts Council - one of Ontario's oldest and finest arts councils.

Be proud Guelph. Hurray!

Audience endorsements and reflections on Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, a storytelling performance blending humour, history, and emotion.

What people are saying.

“What I saw was so touching, funny, and honest.” — Alec Harmer, Manager, River Run Centre

“Jay’s shifts between characters feel completely natural—like a room full of people."
— Audience member

“Jay’s changes in persona are impressively natural. His command of the stories has the feel of the best kind of Irish pub—full of characters, each clearly and distinctly present. Most enjoyable and entertaining.” -- Audience Member

“I so loved spending time with Jay. There’s a deep humour in these stories—even in the most tragic moments—that feels oddly comforting right now.”
— Audience member

Guelph Walking Tour 2026

The 2026 season is off to a roaring start.

Reserve your spot by contacting me directly. 

Groups of 4 or more. Any day, Any time. No service charges, no pesky fees.