This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on June 7, 2011. In this program, Jeff and Simon reminisce about their last three years hosting ItA:TE (né Theatre in London On the Air), then welcome their final guest, “ubiquitous local playwright” Jayson McDonald, who’s starting The Cannonball Cabaret on July 2 in the fall. The conversation shifts to developing professional theatre in London and expanding audiences, and then to Jayson’s introduction to theatre, comedy and writing. The last part of the show is dedicated to the Fringe circuit and the 2011 edition of London’s festival, which runs June 16 to 26.

Thanks to Jeff Culbert and Simon Goodwin for their great work over the last three years. Here’s hoping that CHRW will be able to find hosts of similar calibre as they continue to cover London theatre.

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on May 5, 2011. In this politically-charged show, Simon and Jeff greet the Conservative majority government and newly-elected Green Party leader Elizabeth May, then welcome guests Katy Clark and David Bogaert (LCP’s Picnic). In the second half, actors Jeff Werkmeister and Kathy Quayle discuss Pacheco Theatre’s production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on April 3, 2011. In this show, Jeff and Simon welcome actor Andrea Edison (AlvegoRoot’s Uncle Vanya) and Big Comedy Go-To producer/writer/performer Jayson McDonald.

Remember to vote on May 4!

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on March 1, 2011. In this show, Jeff’s flying solo, talking to Joe Lella and Mark Tovey about this summer’s The Miller and His Men, and Servanne Woodward about Figaro Re-décousu.

Jeff also mentions nytheatre.com’s review of Jayson McDonald’s Boat Load, and highlights London’s World Theatre Day celebration, co-sponsored by the London Fringe Festival and Theatre in London.

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on February 1, 2011. In this show, Simon and Jeff recap the Brickenden Awards, and are then joined by three members of LCP’s production of The Duchess of Malfi: Jordan Morris (producer and documentarian), Jeannette Denomme (The Duchess) and Adam J. Langton (Antonio).

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on January 4, 2011. (There was no December broadcast due to inclement weather.) In this show, Jeff and 2011 Brickenden Outstanding Actor nominee Simon talk about awards with Richard Gilmore from The ARTS Project and The Brickenden Awards. Jeff also mentions the Playwrights Cabaret. After Richard highlights this weekend’s staged reading of Masquerade the conversation shifts to touring shows locally around London and region. Theatre Soup‘s Sookie Mei joins in the last quarter, and the conversation moves to the inherently arbitrary nature of awards and the suitability of judging behind-the-scenes categories.

[Note: Sookie mentions that Lady Windermere's Fan is nominated in the Brickendens' Outstanding Drama category. Each show's producer chooses the categories in which a show will be entered at the time the show is registered for eligibility.]

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on November 2, 2010. In this show, Jeff talks to directors John Gerry (“Art”), Justin Quesnelle (Marat/Sade), and Jim Schaefer (The Lord of the Flies).

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on October 5, 2010. In this show, Jeff rejoins Simon in the CHRW studio to welcome guests Jen Fraser and Alison Challis, representing The Lost Soul Stroll. In the second half, Channel Surfing’s Matt Loop and Nick Chenosky chat about this year’s Double Play.

Jeff also introduces ArtsVote London, a group which is attempting to raise the profile of the arts community among local politicians and organizations. If you are an artist or arts supporter, visit the site to learn more about the arts platforms (or lack of same) of candidates in the upcoming municipal election.

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on September 7, 2010. In this show, Simon is joined in the studio by actors Brandon Stafford and Jesslyn Hodgson from LCP‘s The Three Musketeers, and Jeff calls in from the Atlantic Fringe.

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on August 3, 2010. In this show, both Jeff and Simon are in the studio to discuss upcoming shows, anonymity and online feedback, the value and impact of reviews, and the appeal of London’s recent Petite Nuit Blanche and environmental theatre shows. In the second half, Jeff talks about his ten-city tour of archy and mehitabel and Jayson McDonald calls in from the Saskatoon Fringe where he’s performing Celebrity Cult with Meghan Brown.

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on July 6, 2010. In this show, Simon returns to talk with Justin Quesnelle, Anne Coughlan and Chris Kevill about Passionfool’s Fringe production of Daniel MacIvor’s Monster and their upcoming production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. In the second half the group discusses the transience and collaboration of theatrical performance, particularly as it relates to filming plays and backstage production. Jordan Morris pops in for the last few minutes to talk about the work he’s doing with London Community Players’ production of The Duchess of Malfi.

This episode of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on June 1, 2010. In this show, Jeff Culbert solos while Simon is off, talking with Robin Rundle Drake and Dan Ebbs about their Fringe shows (A Few Prozaks Short of a Hap-P Meal © and Long Time Passing, respectively). Jeff also mentions Strange Angel Productions’ call for 30-minute plays, auditions for Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s production of The Miller and His Men, and several other upcoming shows.

This edition of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on March 2, 2010. In this show, Bernard Hopkins (director of Theatre Soup’s Lady Windermere’s Fan) and Justin Quesnelle and Eva Blahut (artistic directors of Passionfool, presenting Medea) join Jeff and Simon.

This edition of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition was broadcast on February 2, 2010. In this show, Jeff and Simon talk to Dale Hirlehey about Original Kids, Simply Theatre and other projects.

This edition of Inside the Arts: Theatre Edition (formerly Theatre in London On the Air) was broadcast on January 5, 2010. In this show, Simon and Jeff look back at London theatre in 2009 with The Beat reviewers Dean Hall and Kenneth Chisholm.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on October 6, 2009. In this show:

1. Jeff and Simon talk with guests Julia Webb (Prospero in The Tempest) and Jordan Morris (director of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot).

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on September 1, 2009. In this show:

1. Simon previews some of the fall’s events, including Last Days of Judas Iscariot in October and Company in November.
2. Simon introduces guests Karen Killeen, General Manager of the Palace Theatre and London Community Players, and Donald D’Haene, producer of MTP‘s Nine.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on August 4, 2009. In this show:

1. Co-hosts Simon Goodwin and Jeff Culbert recap and preview Jeff’s Fringe tour of archy and mehitabel and Jayson McDonald’s tour of Boat Load and Fall Fair, and mention former Londoner Serge Saika-Voivod’s Victoria Fringe production.
2. Writers Richard Nagel, Adam Holowitz and Michael Wilmot talk about their introductions to and history in theatre. (Jeff mentions the upcoming deadline for Playwrights Cabaret submissions.)
3. The group discusses writing and rewriting shows, requesting and receiving feedback, and the downsides of success.
4. Richard replies to a phone call from Ena, a prospective writer, about opportunities to learn about becoming a playwright in London, including the recently-founded London Playwrights group and the London Writers Society; Simon also mentions the Theatre in London notice boards.
5. Jeff clarifies the goals of the Playwrights Cabaret, and the group discusses the challenges of writing a ten-minute play.
6. The group discusses their favourite writers, including David Mamet, Norm Foster and George F. Walker, Shakespeare, Samuel Beckett, Sam Shepard, Noël Coward and George Bernard Shaw, with diversions into writing dialogue and comedy.
7. Simon asks about the motivation for writing, and the discussion evolves into one about the development of characters and plot and writing adaptations of other works.
8. Jeff and Simon run down August’s upcoming events.

Note: the sound quality is occasionally poor in this episode. I’ve tried to clean it up as much as possible.

Near the end Jeff mentions Harold Pinter’s 2005 Nobel lecture: the text of the lecture and a video of it are both available.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on July 7, 2009. In this show:

1. Jeff and Simon welcome guests Dean Hall, Andrea Bennett, and Marcus Lundgren.
2. The group recaps Fringe X, including favourite productions, which leads to a discussion of “what is theatre?”
3. The discussion continues with a look at the appeal of the Fringe festival for local groups, the CAFF circuit, and a proposal for a free theatre festival.
4. Simon and Jeff run down this month’s listings.
5. The panel members recount their respective theatre backgrounds.
6. The panel discussion concludes with (very!) brief comments on directing.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on June 2, 2009. In this show:

1. Jeff runs down a list of upcoming shows and announcements, including auditions, format changes for the Playwrights Cabaret, and Theatre in London.ca’s Fringe review project.
2. A preview of LCP’s Stepping Out with director Harry Edison and choreographer Kathy Quayle.
3. Kathy Navackas talks about Fringe X, the 10th annual London Fringe Theatre Festival.

This edition of TiLOtA was broadcast on May 5, 2009, from the near-deserted UWO campus. In this show:

1. Jeff and Simon recall this year’s London One Act Festival and list the award winners.
2. Jeff describes changes to the Playwrights Cabaret, including an enhanced feedback process.
3. A recap of the Library Shorts and The Big Comedy Go-To.
4. Simon and Jeff recap upcoming events, including Jayson McDonald’s Toronto run for Giant Invisible Robot [Eye Weekly review].
5. In the second half, Matt Loop and Norah Cuzzocrea chat about changing Channel Surfing and developing PMS.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on April 7, 2009. In this show:

1. Simon receives the 2008–2009 “Outstanding Feed Back Show” 94.9 CHRW / TVWestern.ca Award for Theatre in London On the Air. Congratulations to Simon, Jeff and regular producer Taf!
2. Guests Jayson McDonald, Eva Blahut and Justin Peter Quesnelle talk to Simon about their upcoming shows, including Jayson’s Fall Fair and The Big Comedy Go-To, and Passionfool’s production of 7 Stories.

This (long-delayed) edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on March 3, 2009. In this show:

• Guests Maria Simos and Kathy Quayle preview Nunsense: The Mega Musical
• Robyn Israel discusses her revised and expanded version of Jewish Girls Don’t Kayak

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on February 3, 2009.

This episode, “New Artistic Directors”, explores the rapid impact of three creative upstarts on the London theatre scene. John Pacheco, who has several years of experience — most notably as part of the Channel Surfing team — was questioned about the new company he is launching in 2009 called Pacheco Theatre; Dariusz Korbiel of Dariusz Entertainment, winner of the 2008 Brickenden Outstanding Director award for his production of The Monument, spoke about his transition from St. Thomas to London and his love of the more challenging material available; and John Iglesias spoke about his ascent from supporting actor to mover and shaker producer with his first full production, Patrick Marber’s Closer.

[Summary adapted from a news item on the Iglesia Productions website]

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on January 6, 2009. In this show:

• Jeff talks about the upcoming Playwrights Cabaret and the history of the event.
• Simon and Jeff welcome actor, writer and director Josh Cottrell, who discusses his acting background, future goals and directing Home From the Forest.
• Jeff and Josh talk about Jayson McDonald’s upcoming Great Comedy Go-To.
• Josh talks about Side Dish, the show that he wrote and put on singlehandedly during the Fringe festival.
• Simon and Jeff run down the list of upcoming productions and events.
• Jeff and Simon encourage everyone to vote for the Brickenden Awards, “one of the big theatre parties of the whole year”.
• Jeff applauds Josh’s performance of Dr. Thomas Cream in Lost Soul Stroll (review) and Jason Rip’s plays involving local history.
• The trio discusses directing from directors’ and actors’ perspectives, including styles, casting, personalities and other challenges.

More information about Vito Damico’s Spirit Seekers project is available at spiritseekers.ca.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on December 16, 2008. In this show:

1. Simon welcomes Jeff back to the broadcast.
2. Jeff introduces Ashleigh Barney from the Brickenden Awards.
3. Ashleigh and Jeff give a rundown of the history of the Brickendens, from Chris Doty’s initial naming of best shows of the year to the present nomination and voting process.
4. A discussion of the registration, nomination and voting processes, and how they address comments from a community meeting several years ago.
5. Simon, Jeff and Ashleigh comment about the difficulties in scheduling, staging and promoting theatre in London.
6. Ashleigh provides a preview and explanation of the Brickenden Academy and benefits it may provide to members.
7. A review of how the London theatre scene has changed in the last 10–15 years.
8. The group talks about press coverage, marketing and advertising, with particular note of the London Free Press, Ben Benedict (formerly of The Londoner) and John Iglesias’ efforts in getting people to know about Closer.
9. Comments about new and renovated venues like the London City Music Theatre and the Palace Theatre.
10. Jeff and Simon list some highlights of the 2008 London theatre season. (Ashleigh refrains due to her association with the awards.)
11. Simon reviews the list of upcoming productions.

Nominations for the Brickenden Awards can be made now on the Brickendens website. The 2008 Brickenden Awards ceremony will be held on January 26, 2009.

During the broadcast Ashleigh asked for comments about how the Academy can be a fair and effective organization as it relates to nominations. Please add them here, post a note in the forum thread, or hgielhsA liame with your thoughts.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on November 4, 2008. In this show:

1. Simon and guest co-host Jason Rip discuss Jason’s recent Spirits of Petersville and other upcoming productions by Theatre Nemesis.
2. John Iglesias, Kate Harter and Miriam Cummings discuss John’s upcoming production of Closer.
3. Miriam and John perform a scene from Closer.
4. Sookie Mei visits to talk about Theatre Soup‘s ten-year history and upcoming production of Agnes of God.
5. Sookie performs a scene from Agnes of God.
6. Simon solicits reviews for Theatre in London. (Anyone can post or comment on a review.)
7. Jason, Sookie and Simon summarize the calendar of upcoming shows.

Sookie’s weekly radio program, The All-Syrup Super Squishee Show, is broadcast on CHRW from 3:30-6pm on Thursdays.

Lil Malinich is currently appearing on All My Children, which can be seen on A weekdays at 1pm.

The next episode of Theatre in London On the Air will be on December 16.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on October 7, 2008. In this show:

1. A plug for the auditions forum, and meeting theatre people on the street.
2. Info about The Lost Soul Stroll.
3. An announcement of Out of Sight Productions’ upcoming workshop.
4. Guests Justin Peter Quesnelle and John Turner take on an in-depth discussion of the plays in Passionfool’s upcoming Beckett/Pinter double bill.
5. Simon recaps the upcoming theatre calendar.
6. Jeff, Simon, Justin and John continue discussing Play and One for the Road, how they’re relevant to the election campaigns in Canada and the United States, and the recent political climate and how it has affected the selection of plays being performed in London.
7. Justin announces Passionfool’s 2009 season and John talks about some upcoming and favourite roles.

Harold Pinter’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech is available at nobelprize.org and YouTube.

The next edition of Theatre in London On the Air will be broadcast on CHRW 94.9 on November 7.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on September 16, 2008. In this show:

1. Simon welcomes Jeff Culbert back from Victoria.
2. Shawna Lewkowitz discusses BOLD London‘s upcoming production of Birth. BOLD’s Red Tent Events are at the Lotus Centre (140 Ann Street) on September 21 at 10am and 1:30pm.
3. Jeff recaps his Victoria Fringe experiences, including recounting a chat with Fringe circuit veteran T.J. Dawe.
4. Simon and Jeff discuss aspects of performance, including the one-person show and recovering from missed lines.
5. Jeff talks about Jayson McDonald’s success on the Fringe circuit and the dearth of recognition of that in London.
6. A preview of this year’s Lost Soul Stroll and a call for scripts for the PlayWrights Cabaret.
7. An excerpt from I am the very model of a modern Major-General.

Information on submitting works for the PlayWrights Cabaret is available on the Theatre in London forums.

Theatre in London On the Air is moving to a bi-weekly schedule. The next broadcast will be on September 30, as always on CHRW 94.9 FM.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on September 9, 2008. In this show:

1. Simon previews The Pirates of Penzance and plays a recording of Oh, better far to live and die (“I am a Pirate King”).
2. Lorissa Sinasac and Angela Bennett talk with Simon about their past and upcoming productions, including Birth, Spirits of Petersville, Iolanthe, a reading of Little Miss Sunshine, and Dear Santa.
3. Angela, Lorissa and Simon discuss the rehearsal process, from the first readthrough to stage blocking to dress.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on September 2, 2008. In this show:

1. Steve Ogden, Johnny Bobesich and Michael Wilmot review their writing, performing and directing backgrounds in London-and-area theatre.
2. The group discusses this week’s theme, auditions and auditioning.

The companies mentioned who have auditions coming up soon are Musical Theatre Productions, ITOPA, London Community Players and Elgin Theatre Guild. Remember to check (and post to!) Theatre in London’s auditions forum during the year for other opportunities.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on August 26, 2008. In this show:

1. Simon and guest host Jason Rip introduce Rachel Jones.
2. Rachel talks about her current projects, her family and her theatre background as an actor and director.
3. Jeff Culbert phones in from the Victoria Fringe Festival to discuss his brother Tim’s show (which he’s directing) and the positive reaction to Jayson McDonald’s Boat Load.
4. Simon, Jason and Rachel talk about typecasting.
5. Rachel recounts an anecdote from the rehearsals for the 2003 production of Problem Child, and discusses the process of becoming an Actors’ Equity performer.
6. Aidan Jones makes a special guest appearance.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on August 19, 2008. Show notes to follow.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on August 12, 2008. Show notes to follow.

This edition of Theatre in London On the Air was broadcast on August 5, 2008. In this podcast:

1. Behind the scenes of Wuthering Heights, which Jeff directed and in which Simon appears.
2. In the studio, Jayson McDonald talks about his one-man show Boat Load and touring a show across Canada.
3. Discussion of shows at the Fringe, including The Shawl
4. Jayson performs a scene from Boat Load.
5. Christel Bartelse phones in from Cambridge to discuss her background in theatre and clowning, and her Fringe show Chaotica.
6. Christel performs a scene from Chaotica.
7. A discussion of the craft of writing stage directions, and the benefits and disadvantages of having a writer present during rehearsals.
8. Jayson contrasts Fully Insured‘s Fringe show Inappropriately Touched by an Angel with his other work and the continuing “talk show” The No Show.

In this podcast:

1. A preview of October’s Inherit the Wind, in which Simon will be appearing as Henry Drummond, and the advantages of amateur theatre for shows with large casts
2. Recognition and discussion of the 10th anniversary of several theatre companies, including
   • Theatre Soup
   • Ausable Theatre
   • three black ring / Stars and Hearts
   • Simply Theatre
   • Theatre Nemesis
   • Fountainhead Theatre
3. Reviews and forums at Theatre in London
4. Behind the scenes of Wuthering Heights
5. Quotes from David Mamet on Stanislavski’s system and other topics

All of the companies listed above (with the exception of Fountainhead) have productions in this year’s London Fringe Festival, which starts with the Fringe Callithump and performer showcase and the opening of VisualFringe on Thursday.

Oh, and TiL loves Simon and Jeff too.

In this podcast:

1. London Fringe Festival preview
2. Norma Lowney and Ann Blake from Limerick, Ireland’s Impact Theatre and the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra

Fringe Headquarters is at 179 Dundas Street (the old Heroes comic book store) and this year’s Club Fringe is across the street at Tequila Rose.

In this week’s show:

1. Simon discusses acting with Jordan Morris, David Bogaert and Eva Blahut.

In this episode of Theatre in London On the Air:

1. The “Remembering Jamie” tribute to James Reaney Sr.
2. Preview of Jeff’s and Simon’s London Fringe Theatre Festival productions
3. Sheila Johnson on Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s Drunheller & Gleiss: A Wicked Brew
4. Manitoba Theatre Centre feedback on last week’s show
5. A discussion of tailoring art galleries to demographic groups with Margot Stothers and Jason Hallows

Is there something you’d like to hear on the show? Leave a comment here!

In this show:

1. 50 Significant Canadian Plays with Susan Ferley, Art Fidler and Julia Webb

In this show:

1. Jeff’s theatre experiences in Ireland
2. Cosi and Never Swim Alone
3. Morag Webster-Lesarge and Michael Beacom discuss The Thames River Revisited
4. Current theatre listings
5. Comments about Jayson MacDonald’s Ottawa performance of Boat Load
6. Janice Johnston and Jeff Werkmeister talk about this weekend’s 24 Hour Rush fundraiser for The ARTS Project

Next week: a Canada Day special about significant theatre in Canadian history.

In this show:

1. Theatre in London (the radio show) manifesto
2. Theatre in London website
3. Jeff’s and Simon’s theatre backgrounds
4. Interview with Tyler Parr and Justin Peter Quesnelle
5. Current theatre listings
6. LOAF awards recap
7. Tyler and Justin perform a scene from Never Swim Alone
8. More with Tyler and Justin
9. Tribute to James Reaney — reading of The Lost Child