Anyone who hails from London, Ontario and has travelled anywhere in the world, has undoubtedly uttered the phrase, “no, not that London, the other one, in Canada.” With so many streets, locations, and landmarks sharing the same names, the confusion is understandable. Now, picture waking up in a stranger’s home after taking enough painkillers to numb a broken leg and survive a flight, thinking you are in your intended location of London, England, but actually having arrived in London, Ontario. The people you meet talk of the places you know, but they seem to be different somehow. And there you have the premise for the world premiere comedy, THIS LONDON LIFE, coming to the Grand Theatre this October. Canadian playwright and director Morris Panych, has taken a comedic look at the similarities and differences between the two Londons, and his work is set to be the funniest play to hit the Grand’s Spriet Stage in the past few years. For those who enjoy the endless laughs from an episode of Seinfeld or Modern Family, the play will definitely be on the list of must-see productions during the 2019/2020 season.

THIS LONDON LIFE “tells the story of two Londons, parodying their many similarities—and their differences,” describes Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum.  “A major thread throughout my career has been a focus on developing new work. This season, I am so proud that we are staging a number of new works under our COMPASS New Play Development program, which allows us to reflect upon our city and its people – to show who we are and who we want to be. To launch the season with this production from the creative genius mind that is Morris Panych, is truly a gift to Londoners. I invite everyone to come in and laugh along with us!”

Throughout the run, the Grand will host neighbourhood parties on select performance dates beginning with a special Old East Village (OEV) performance on Tuesday, October 15, saluting the community that came together in the wake of the Woodman Avenue explosion and its aftermath.

The Grand will also feature local musicians in its lobby spaces at select performances, showcasing the extraordinary talent that can be found in “this” London’s music scene.

After a successful run of BLIND DATE at the Grand in the 2017-28 Season, and most recently at the prestigious 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Rebecca Northan returns to the Grand as the morally questionable Mrs. Simpson. Making his Grand Theatre debut is Ryan Shaw, a young elementary student from Petrolia, Ontario.  Allister MacDonald plays Jimmy, a man who arrives in “this” London, but is under the impression he is in “that” London. And also joining the cast are Wendy Thatcher as Nan (Grand Theatre, SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER), Cynthia Jimenez-Hicks (Citadel Theatre, THE CANDIDATE) who is making her Grand debut, and Braeden Soltys (Grand Theatre, TIMOTHY FINDLEY’S THE WARS). THIS LONDON LIFE launches the 19/20 season on the Spriet Stage, and runs from October 15 to November 2.

Keep an eye on our social media channels as we announce special neighbourhood events during the run. 

THIS LONDON LIFE

Written and Directed by Morris Panych

October 15- November 2, 2019
Opening Night, October 18

 Spriet Stage  

Title Sponsor: BlueStone Properties

COMPASS New Play Development Partner: Tourism London

Pull up a chair for a casual conversation with the artists from the show at our weekly Speak Easy, Wednesdays - October 16, 23, & 30, post-show in the Poster Lounge. The bar will be open!  

Please make note that open-captioned performances are scheduled for Friday, November 1 at 8PM and Saturday, November 2 at 2PM. Special pricing for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patrons available on these performance dates. Contact the Box Office for more information at 519.672.8800 or www.grandtheatre.com.