by Gillian Crowley –
Peninsula Players Serve Up Fawlty Towers Series 2
The Peninsula Players’ first production of Fawlty Towers was so successful in 2016 that they’re back with three episodes from Series 2. The frenetic antics of Basil Fawlty, owner of the eponymous hotel, will continue to delight audiences whether or not they saw the original TV show starring John Cleese. Basil is constantly in trouble, whether fawning over the wrong guest or insulting others. Enjoy belly-shaking laughs during “Touch of Class,” “Waldorf Salad” and “The Germans.” May 4, 5, 6 and 7 starting at 7:30 p.m. and May 6 and 7 at 2 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney.
City of Gardens Chorus Celebrates 50th Year
The award-winning City of Gardens Chorus celebrates 50 years of a cappella harmony this year. This all-women Chorus, established in Victoria in 1967, has been educating, entertaining and competing ever since. The Chorus marks its 50th anniversary with two shows in Sidney. This musical show lampoons the Chorus’ upcoming summer bus tour of the United Kingdom where they will be singing throughout Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. During this musical romp the audience will meet a huge history buff and lover of castles, a music aficionado and pipes and drums enthusiast, a foodie fan who’s super-excited to try haggis, and a ditzy clotheshorse looking for a rich royal. Fun for all ages! Tickets online at www.marywinspear.ca or email lbaber@shaw.ca. May 20 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
Art for Everyone Fundraiser
Here’s an opportunity to support the Art for Everyone Foundation being established by the McTavish Academy of Art. This silent auction and cocktail event will raise funds for arts in the community, such as school art programs which need supplies and other community art programs that may need a hand up. Everyone welcome. More at www.mctavishacademy.ca under Events or phone 778-351-0088. May 27 – doors open at 6:30 p.m. McTavish Academy of Art, 1720 McTavish Road, North Saanich.
Readings by Anny Scoones and Jennifer Manuel
Anny Scoones’ name will be familiar to many from her years as a local councillor and owner of a North Saanich heritage farm. Now residing in James Bay, she has published a series of “home-themed” books: Home, True Home, Hometown, Home and Away, and recently Last Dance in Shediac. The same evening, Jennifer Manuel will read from her award-winning short fiction and her debut novel The Heaviness of Things that Float: a compelling exploration of the delicate dynamic between First Nations communities and non-native outsiders. This is the last in the spring series sponsored by the Sidney & Peninsula Literary Society and Tanner’s Books in support of the 2017 Sidney Literary Festival to be held September 22 to 24. Advance tickets online at www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca or from Tanner’s Books in Sidney. May 12, doors open at 6:30 p.m., readings at 7 p.m. Shoal Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney.
Calvin Cairns and Paul O’Brien
This high-energy duo performs Celtic-based instrumental music and Paul’s original songs on fiddle, concertina, Irish bouzuki, guitar and bodhran. Calvin has performed and recorded with Stuart McLean and The Vinyl Café Orchestra, The Bills, Connie Kaldor, Spirit of the West, Bob Bossin and many others. Paul’s song repertoire often includes stories about colourful local characters and West Coast lore. Presented by the Deep Cove Folk Music Society. Tickets at the door. May 12, 8 to 10:30 p.m. St. John’s United Church, North Saanich.
