Live, Outdoor Theatre Returns to The County
After a year of extraordinary challenges and setbacks, Festival Players has the great pleasure of announcing the return of live outdoor theatre to Prince Edward County!
Festival Players is a performing arts company located in the village of Wellington, which is nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, with a view of the largest freshwater dunes in the world, and in the heart of Prince Edward County’s burgeoning wine industry. They produce professional Canadian theatre experiences that are relevant, sophisticated, engaging and entertaining. They offer theatre that is deeply rooted in the fabric of the community, inspiring creativity, gathering and pride of place.
This summer, Festival Players presents their SIX FEET FESTIVAL of theatre, dance and comedy at the beautiful Eddie Hotel & Farm. Performed outdoors, following COVID safety guidelines, the Festival will give County audiences an opportunity to come together safely to experience the beauty of the landscape and the cathartic power of performance.
Stunning rural setting at The Eddie Hotel & Farm
It’s an exciting new partnership with the Eddie Hotel & Farm (formerly Fields on West Lake) where they are currently building a new outdoor BMO Pavilion stage for the performances. Situated on 78 acres, The Eddie is one of the best examples of Loyalist architecture in the area. Dating back to 1860, these buildings stand as one of the most recognizable views in The County. With a strong focus on activating this beautiful property for community events, including Festival Players, The Eddie will be a vital destination in The County.
BMO Pavilion concept, which is under construction at The Eddie
If you’re considering attending a session, you should know Festival Players has developed a comprehensive Pandemic Strategy to oversee the planning, rehearsal and presentation of events to ensure the safety and comfort of staff, artists and audiences. Their initiatives include the new outdoor stage, socially distanced open-air seating, reduced capacity, contactless box office, outdoor concessions and a digital show programme. As a result, they were awarded the #SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The SIX FEET FESTIVAL includes world premieres, award-winning productions and familiar faces! Experience Beau Dixon, Carolyn Taylor, Elvira Kurt, Mark Crawford, Carol Anderson, Arwyn Carpenter, Sophie Dow, Kristen Foote in their inaugural season at the BMO Pavilion set against the picturesque backdrop of the historic Millennium Trail. Show dates and details are:
Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story created and performed by Beau Dixon
July 21–August 1 8:00 pm
A powerful story of a Canadian hero told through song like never before. Beneath Springhill chronicles the incredible story of Maurice Ruddick, “the singing miner,” an African-Canadian who survived nine days underground during the historic Springhill mining disaster of 1958.
Carolyn Taylor and Elvira Kurt: Live at The Eddie
August 12–14 8:00 pm
Canadian Comedy legends Carolyn Taylor (Baroness Von Sketch Show) and Elvira Kurt (Ellen DeGeneres HBO Special/The Tonight Show) star in a hysterical night of revelry under the stars at the picturesque Eddie Hotel and Farm.
FLIGHT: Prince Edward County’s Festival of Contemporary Dance
August 18–21 7:00 pm
FLIGHT is an outdoor festival celebrating diverse and Indigenous dance. A meeting ground for expression and education. Daily community classes and workshops are followed by evening mainstage performances featuring Carol Anderson, Sophie Dow, Kristen Foote and Ritmo Flamenco. Each evening begins with a traditional hoop dance and pre-show chats with performances introduced by local figures including Sonja Smits, Judith Burfoot and others.
Chase the Ace written and performed by Mark Crawford
August 24–29, 8:00 pm
A World Premiere Production!
When big-city radio host Charlie King is forced to take a job managing a small-town station, he has no idea what’s in store! Not only does a pandemic begin his first week in Port Belette, but he quickly finds himself chasing a story of municipal corruption.
For more than 15 years, Festival Players has brought the beautiful landscapes, towns and villages of The County to life with theatre, music, art and food. They have produced and presented work by some of Canada’s finest theatre artists, serving a diverse community of local Prince Edward County/Bay of Quinte residents as well as summer visitors to our region known for its wineries and beaches.
Festival Players Artistic Director, Graham Abbey
Tickets for the SIX FEET FESTIVAL are $35-$40 for general tickets and $25 for Under 30/Arts Worker. Savour a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy a socially distanced evening with some of Canada’s most extraordinary artists. See you at the Eddie!
Visit festivalplayers.ca for tickets and more information.
