One of the most important plays of the 20th Century, Bernard Shaw’s Heartbreak House returns to the Shaw Festival for the 2026 season. Directed by Shaw Festival artistic director, Tim Carroll, this three-act production bursts with Shavian wit, whip-smart dialogue and prescient questions about human nature and society. This new production launches at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre on June 20.

Ellie Dunn (Allison Edwards-Crewe) is engaged to be married to ruthless businessman ‘Boss’ Mangan (Graeme Somerville), but her heart is already engaged elsewhere. When she arrives at the home of her friend Hesione (Julia Course), Ellie finds several surprises in store for her, and she soon learns the country estate is called Heartbreak House for good reason. With war looming on the horizon, questions of love and heartache linger while Hesione’s eccentric father Captain Shotover (Tom Rooney) declares that society’s ship is bound blindly for the rocks.

The production also features the stellar ensemble of Neil Barclay, Fiona Byrne, Jason Cadieux, Kristi Frank, Sochi Fried, Martin Happer, Sanjay Talwar and Michael Therriault.

The off-kilter world of Heartbreak House is visually anchored by Ximena Pinilla’s set and costume design, lighting design by Louise Guinand and music direction, original music and sound design by Claudio Vena with movement direction by Alexis Milligan. The stage management team includes stage manager Amy Jewell and assistant stage manager Michael Duggan.

On stage at the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre (10 Queen’s Parade) from June 20 to October 3, Heartbreak House is recommended for audience members 12+. Running time is approximately 2 hours 50 minutes including one 15-minute intermission and one 5-minute break.

Beyond the Stage Events and Activities:

To complement its world-class performances, this season the Shaw Festival will offer more than 5,000 Beyond the Stage events, classes and activities for people of all ages. Programming includes Positive Aging events, Arts Education for children and youth, Backstage Tours and Artist Conversations, Coffee Concerts, Speakeasies, What’s In Your Songbook, Gospel Choir, Perfect Pairing Concerts, Pop-Up Patios and so much more. Visit www.shawfest.com/beyond-the-stage for more information. 

The Shaw Festival’s 2026 season runs through to December 23 and is supported by the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

About the Shaw Festival:

One of the largest charitable theatre companies in North America, the Shaw Festival’s mission is to enrich and connect people’s lives through theatre. Based in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, The Shaw’s 2026 productions include Funny Girl, One for the Pot, Amadeus, Sleuth, Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, A New Work in Progress, The Wind in the Willows, Heartbreak House and Ohio State Murders. The Shaw Festival’s Holiday Season includes A Year with Frog and Toad and Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

For tickets visit  www.shawfest.com.