Last year, I shared my picks for what I would pick if I could only get one ticket in a season of shows. So, for another year, here’s what I would pick if I could only see one show out of a season!
Ballet Victoria:Ballet Rocks! (October 3rd – 4th, 2026)
Take one part powerhouse rock ballads and anthems we know so well and another part incredibly skilled dancers, put them together and you have an exciting show from Ballet Victoria!
This is my pick of the season because to me, the ballet truly showcases their work best when they throw new and unexpected elements into their shows. I can’t wait to see how these ballet dancers rock out!
Saint Luke’s Players: Clue on Stage (Oct 7th -18th, 2026)
St. Luke’s has a delightful season lined up, from their beloved panto to two great local directors on “Something to Hide” and “Enchanted April”, but for me, I have to pick the campy classic Clue on Stage which kicks off their season. If this is done right, this show is madcap, zany, a mile a minute, and an absolute laugh. I can’t wait to see this frothy number!
And, I have to confess I picked this one before the loss of the incredible Tim Curry, but now it seems even more apt. While so many people are truly grieved over his loss, his iconic portrayal in the film version will likely inspire the actors in this show as well. What a better way to celebrate an artist we loved than with art that was inspired by them?
Victoria Symphony – Spirited Away: The Music of Studio Ghibli (October 30th and November 1st, 2026)
The music of Ghibli films are enticing, balancing profound stories of loss against the joys of childlike wonder. Even if you are not a Ghibli film fan, the music alone is so evocative, it is a treat for music lovers of all ages.
What an amazing opportunity for film fans and music fans of all ages to come together and enjoy!
Call of the Wild – Canadian College of the Performing Arts (December 17th -20th, 2026)
This will be a world premiere of Canadian playwright Vern Theisson’s adaptation! I am so looking forward to seeing what this skilled playwright will create with this well-loved classic.
There’s so many themes of survival and passion that can be delved into in this production. I’m excited to see if they’ll use protection or puppetry or some other form of theatre magic! There’s huge range for artistic interpretation with this piece, and I’m looking forward to seeing what direction this show goes.
Belfry Theatre – Blind Date (December 2-20, 2026)
Belfry’s season kicked off on Sept 10th with the already much-lauded Women of the Fur Trade. There is lots of great theatre coming up with Belfry’s new artistic director Nigel Shawn Williams’ first season!
While there is lots to look forward to, my pick has to go to Blind Date, an improvised love story. I saw early iterations of this show years ago in Calgary and I fell in love with Mimi and her utterly charming way of winning over an audience. I haven’t seen it for years but I cannot wait to experience this delightful night of improvised theatre again! Get ready to fall in love ❤️❤️❤️
Uvic Phoenix Theatre – The Wolves (February 4-13, 2027)
This year, there are three MainStage offerings from the Phoenix theatre. Offerings include a Russian classic, a murder mystery musical, and an empathetic look at the lives behind student athletes.
I chose The Wolves because it naturally leans into the young cast that Uvic has in their program. This has the potential to be a relevant, clever, and humanizing to teen girls who are so often maligned in works of film and television.
Pacific Opera Victoria: Hansel and Gretel (February 19-27, 2027)
Pacific Opera Victoria is making my decision even harder by has programming a whole season that looks to be energizing and exciting! My pick was ultimately swayed to Hansel and Gretel because of the collaboration with Old Trout Puppet Workshop (insert requisite puppet fangirling here).
I cannot wait to see what these two powerhouses of opera and puppetry can create while working together, it’s bound to be incredible!
Dance Victoria: Kidd Pivot – Assembly Hall
Of course the theatre blog would choose the hybrid of dance and theatre!
This show sounds exactly like the bit of weirdness that I love – things start to go off the rails and it leads to a bizarre world of mixed up rules and made up logic. While the striking visuals are part of the storytelling, the importance of the physical movement of dance is never lost. This dreamy nightmare world looks spectacular and bends and then breaks the expected rules of dance.
Early Music Society of the Islands: Ensemble Caprice – The King’s Music & Tavern Songs (April 24th, 2027)
I caught my first early music concert at the end of last year, and suffice to say, I’m obsessed! To me, early music is such a unique way to experience history and music in such an immersive way that truly brings the past to life!
While anyone of the season’s offerings looks to showcase incredible musicians, word on the street is that Ensemble Caprice are not to be missed! They are supposed to be an awesome starting place for anyone, but especially those not yet sure about early music! This concert specifically sounds a little more rowdy and foot stomping, showcasing an unexpected side of the early music scene!
And don’t forget, there’s lots of companies that don’t run on a “school year” season!
If you want to experience the world through music, I recommend Caravan World Rhythms.
If you want scripts you’ll not see anywhere else, I recommend popping by Inconnu.
If you’re looking for something new every time, Spec Theatre runs a bi-monthly (once every two months) breakfast variety hour. If you’re a performer, sign up!
If you’re looking for locally made theatre with a new take on the unexpected, Hapax theatre always has something wonderful!
If you’re looking for something worth the drive Mary Winspear‘s programming is diverse, and there’s always something new! And bonus, there are virtually no bad seats in the house.
If you’re looking for up-and-coming performers and new programming, check out the Other Guise!
If you are involved in theatre in any way, and want to connect with others, I recommend you get a membership to the Victoria Theatre Collective.
