Lighthouse Festival is proud to announce the talented casts and creative teams who will bring our 2026 season to life. This year’s team is filled with remarkable artists from across the country, each bringing a wealth of experience, skill, and passion to our stages in Port Dover and Port Colborne. From recognizable faces on the Lighthouse stage to exciting new voices, the depth of talent assembled promises a season full of energy, heart, and unforgettable laughter.

Behind the scenes, our creative teams are equally exceptional, with directors, designers, and production staff working collaboratively to shape each production with care and creativity. Together, they are building vibrant, engaging worlds that celebrate the spirit of Canadian comedy while delivering the high-quality theatre our audiences have come to expect.

“We’re thrilled to welcome such an incredible group of artists to Lighthouse this season,” says Marketing and Communications Manager Don Kearney-Bourque. “There’s a real excitement among the artists, and audiences will feel that the moment the lights come up. It’s a season built on connection, laughter, and truly outstanding performances.”

That excitement is shared throughout the production team as preparations continue behind the scenes. “It’s inspiring to see so many talented individuals come together with a shared goal of creating something special,” adds Production Manager Alice Barnett. “There’s a strong sense of collaboration and pride in the work, and we can’t wait to share it with our patrons.”

With rehearsals getting underway in early May, our artists are ready to take the stage and deliver a summer filled with laughter, creativity, and memorable moments.

For tickets visit lighthousetheatre.com

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The Beaver Club

Four long-time friends pile into a well-worn car and set off on the ultimate cross-country road trip: from Toronto all the way to Dildo, Newfoundland. What starts as a spontaneous getaway soon spirals into a journey full of chaos, confession, and more than a few questionable roadside snacks.

Cast:

Melodee Finlay - Yvette

Marlene Handrahan - Eunice

Melanie Janzen - Radiance

Helen Taylor – Karen

Creative:

Emily Oriold – Director

Eric Bunnell – Set

Alex Amini – Costumes

Steve Lucas - Lighting

Performances:

Port Dover May 27 – June 13, 2026

Port Colborne June 17 – 28, 2026

* * *

Crees in the Caribbean

Crees in the Caribbean by Drew Hayden Taylor is a delightfully witty yet deeply touching play about Evie and Cecil Poundmaker, a Cree couple celebrating their 35th anniversary with their first trip abroad—a Mexican resort vacation gifted by their children. 

Cast:

Lawrence Bayne - Cecil

Andrea Cabeza - Manuela

Krystle Pederson - Evie

Creative:

Patti Shaunnessy – Director

Beckie Morris – Set

Alex Amini – Costumes

Emerson Kafardowski - Lighting

Performances:

Port Dover June 17 – July 4, 2026

Port Colborne July 8 – 19, 2026

* * *

Secret Service

Welcome to Il Glorioso Buco, Toronto’s swankiest Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is thick with… espionage? A crack team of international spies has taken over the kitchen, using marinara as camouflage for a top-secret sting operation.

Cast:

Cooper Bilton – Harry

Lisa Norton – Maddy

Stephen Sparks – Nick

Carly Street – Viviana

Robbie Towns – Quentin

Creative:

David Leyshon – Director

Beckie Morris – Set

Alex Amini – Costumes

Steve Lucas - Lighting

Performances:

Port Dover July 8 – 25, 2026

Port Colborne July 29 – August 9, 2026

* * *

Liars at a Funeral

Family reunions are hard enough without faking a funeral, but that’s exactly what Grandma Mavis has cooked up. When a blizzard traps a wildly dysfunctional family inside a drafty funeral parlour, the sparks fly faster than the power lines go down.

Cast:

Charlotte Dennis – Deedee/Mia

Deb Drakeford – Evelyn/Leorah

Scott Farley – Quint/Cam

Murray Furrow – Frank/Wayne

Melanie Janzen – Mavis

Creative:

Blair Williams – Director

Peter Hartwell – Set

Alex Amini – Costumes

Emerson Kafardowski - Lighting

Performances:

Port Dover July 29 – August 15, 2026

Port Colborne August 19 – 30, 2026

* * *

A Woman’s Love List

Megan and Carly write down a list of qualities for the perfect man, and to their surprise, he appears! But perfection proves to be a moving target. As they begin tweaking the list – Blaze Wilson, their masterpiece, responds in kind, morphing from one personality to the next faster than you can say “emotional whiplash. Things get even messier when Blaze discovers the list and takes matters into his own hands.

Cast:

Cole Munden - Blaze

Stephanie Pitsiladis - Megan

Nicole Wilson – Carly

Creative:

Lisa Horner – Director

Megan Cinel – Set

Alex Amini – Costumes

Alex Sykes - Lighting

Performances:

Port Dover August 26 – September 12, 2026

Port Colborne September 16 – 27, 2026