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.

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