Happy New Year 2026

First of all THANK YOU to everyone who has enjoyed JayWalking Guelph.  Thank you to everyone who has attended a JayWalking Theatre performance. And thank you to everyone who has booked a show for their community. It has been a great 8 years and here comes 2026.

I just received news that JayWalking Guelph has been awarded an "ACTIVATING ART Community Microgrant" a project of The City of Guelph, The Guelph Arts Council and the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition Looking forward to creating a theatre project that inspires, supports, resonates and connects with the residents of Guelph.

Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, the charming and delightful one-person show based on Irish tales is coming to the Guelph River Run Centre, Thursday April 9, 2026. Tickets now available!

Speaking of the Guelph Bicentennial, rumour has it that the hugely popular Gwelf Early Days Tour Indoor multi-media version is making a comeback with a special 2027 Bicentennial edition, January 2027 at a theatre near you Guelph!

And on a personal note Jay turns 70, Jan 2, 2026. Let's see what decade 70 uncovers!

Happy New Year!

Christmas

Did you miss Isn't That The Dickens?

Well you can listen HERE

Merry Christmas from JayWalking Guelph

Walking Tours

When are the tours and how do I get tickets?

Well, there are no tickets. And you can have a tour whenever you want, any day, any time.

All I ask is you are a group of 4 or more. Admission is $25 per person. A 90 minute street theatre, storytelling, walking tour experience like none other.

Contact me: JayWalkingGuelph@gmail.com OR 519 820-3269.

Tell me when and how many and which tour you want, Gwelf Early Days or The Unfortunate Man.

That's it. I'll let you know where we meet and off we go. Easy.

Everything you need is right HERE

Looking for that special gift?

HOLIDAY GIVING

We all have that someone on our gift list who seemingly has everything.

What to do? What can I get them that's truly special, different and yet something I know they will enjoy?

Here's the answer  👉ANSWER

Christmas already?

Book NOW!

This 10 minute compressed version of "A Christmas Carol" includes all your favourite characters, the ghosts and, of course, Scrooge. An array of atmospheric sound effects compliment the story, now a poem of rhyming couplets, making for a delightful holiday tradition in the style of "theatre of the mind".

Being only 10 minutes it can be performed multiple times and makes for a great addition to you holiday neighbourhood party, seasonal market, special event...

Looking for something longer? There is a 30 minute show which includes additional stories and audience participation.

Standing by: jaywalkingguelph@gmail.com 519 820-3269

Make your holiday event stand out. Soon to be a tradition.

Guelph Arts Council Special Announcement

Breaking news.

The Guelph Arts Council, at their 50th Anniversary Celebration on Nov 22 introduced their latest project - The GRETAs (Guelph Recognition of Excellence In The Arts). Not an awards program but rather a celebration and recognition event, acting as a catalyst to continue bringing the arts together. After all that's one of the things the Guelph Arts Council does.

The GRETAs also acts a fundraiser for the Guelph Arts Council so it can continue the vital work of championing the arts - advocacy.

It's a brand new program. Details on how you can become involved appear HERE

The big event will occur February 28, 2027. A Guelph Bicentennial Event AND a legacy project as it will be an annual celebration of the arts.

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