Welcome to 30 seasons of live professional theatre!
Thirty seasons of inspiring musicals bouncing off the walls, comedies running here and there, dramas diving into depths of the heart and all kinds of Canadian confections. Thirty seasons of artistic exploration and discovery with dedicated folks across Vancouver Island – and beyond. For thirty years, family and friends have joined in the Chemainus Theatre Festival experience of fine dining, theatre and art from across BC under one beautiful dome in a little seaside town.
2024 starts with a Canadian curling comedy sweeping the country, followed by the return of the beloved Jeeves series – this time, ocean-bound! Swing into summer with Dolly Parton’s hilarious musical comedy. The fall features a Chemainus Theatre new Governor General’s Award, winner of resilience and healing from a Vancouver Island local and Chemainus Theatre alum. The season finishes with a classic imagining of Jane Austen’s characters. All are accessible with Relaxed Performances, The Golden Neighbour subsidized ticket program, community previews, and economy-priced seats.
Along with great stories on stage, enjoy fantastic flavours in the Playbill Dining Room and creations from over 100 BC artisans in the Gallery Gift Shop. Whether you are discovering this Island gem for the first time or have been coming for years – welcome to 30!
Adapted by Margaret Raether
Set sail for laughter as Bertie Wooster revels in life aboard the Vanderley yacht, accompanied, as always, by his peerless valet, Jeeves. When Bertie’s pal Crumpet assaults a prince, a madcap case of mistaken identities ensues surely leading to Bertie’s doom – or worse, his marriage? Have no fear, Jeeves will sort it out, or will he?
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009
9 to 5 The Musical is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. This hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical boss. Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot!
By Dorothy Dittrich
The Piano Teacher is a Governor General’s award-winning play about loss, love, friendship, and the healing power of music. When classical pianist Erin experiences a devastating family tragedy, she finds herself unable to play music or even touch a piano. Navigating through the traumatic loss of the life she knew, she meets an unconventional piano teacher, Elaine, who gives her new hope for the future.
Miss Bennet
By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon
A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set at Christmas two years after the novel ends, MISS BENNET continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.
