by Gillian Crowley –
Fawlty Towers Frolic
The iconic bewildered Spanish waiter and the insufferably pompous Basil Fawlty will jump off the television screen and onto the stage when Fawlty Towers opens at the Mary Winspear Centre. One of the funniest British television series, Fawlty Towers has brought belly laughs to audiences of all ages. Famous Monty Python alumni John Cleese co-wrote the original television sitcom and starred as frenetic innkeeper Basil Fawlty. The Peninsula Players will reprise the “Communications Problems” episodes featuring The Hotel Inspector and Basil the Rat. Everyone will enjoy a laugh a minute as they wait to see if Basil Fawlty will go over the edge. Charlie White Theatre, Sidney, May 5 to 8 at 7:30 p.m. and matinee performances May 7 and 8 at 2 p.m.
West Coast Chamber Players
The West Coast Chamber Players will perform a concert full of variety, including Mozart’s Horn Trio, Bach’s Musical Offering, Paganini’s Duo for Bassoon and Violin and an exciting piece by jazz musician Paquito D’Rivera. The five musicians will also play a work by young Canadian composer, Mathieu Lussier, an assistant professor at Université de Montreal. The players for this concert are: Jim Stubbs, trumpet; Lauren Stubbs, bassoon; Yoomi Kim, piano; Kate Rhodes, violin; and Karen Hough, horn. May 15 at the Peace Lutheran Church, 2295 Weiler Avenue, Sidney. For information and tickets call 778-426-0025.
Local Writers Read in Sidney
Tricia Dower, a fiction writer now living in Brentwood Bay, will read from her new book, Becoming Lin. This second book in a planned trilogy has been described as a “penetrating study of a marriage and evolving sense of self as confronts the fear that keeps her from an unfettered future.” Dower will be joined by Victoria writer Grant McKenzie, an internationally-published author of six “edge-of-your-seat” thrillers, and a mystery series set in San Francisco. The readings are a joint presentation by the Sidney and Peninsula Literary Society and Tanner’s Books. All ticket proceeds go to support the 2017 Sidney Literary Festival. Tickets at Tanner’s Books or online at www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca. May 18 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 pm), Red Brick Café, 2423 Beacon Avenue, Sidney.
Sidney Concert Band’s “Swing into Spring”
In this family-friendly concert, Sidney Concert Band will offer a variety of music, vocalists and a trombone ensemble performing under musical director Rob Bannister and guest conductor Bruce Ham. The afternoon features vocalists Stephanie Benbow, Georgina Stevens, the hauntingly beautiful Gabriel’s Oboe with Kryn Zedel, and a Jason Gordon solo on euphonium. Mary Winspear Centre, May 29 at 2 p.m.
Art Victoria Now
This exciting juried show displays the works of selected artists residing in Greater Victoria including Victoria, Sooke, Saanich, Sidney and the Westshore. Art lovers can appreciate paintings, sculpture, fabric art, photography and other artistic expressions as well as support local artists through their purchases. Presented by the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria. The Atrium Building (800 Yates Street). Gala Reception Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. (ticketed).Show dates: May 14 through May 23. http://cacgv.ca/.
