fergus grand theatre

Community theatre is always a gamble. Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. Recent shows we've attended have been diverse, from Christmas Pantomime (which seemed to be primarily for the benefit of the actors and where every audience member seemed to be related to someone on stage) to musical impersonators (I'd swear it really WAS Ed Sullivan up there) to the suspenseful thriller "Wait Until Dark" (well-produced and well-performed in a limiting environment). This theatre is home to a number of smaller dramatic groups, and a stopping-off point for many travelling shows, so the varied schedule of events is likely to provide something for every taste. The building is historically old and has been recently refurbished, but the auditorium is small and facilities are limited. That said, all the seats are good, and no-one claimed this was The Old Vic. A good time can be enjoyed by all. Just open the box and take your pick.

Small town community theatre can be a turkey shoot at best. A variety of styles and acting abilities. Mixed with an interesting choice of shows that make up the season. Throw into this pot a hodgepodge of differnt companies that call the Grand their home plus some travelling road shows and you have a strange brew which offers large menu of items that should at leat have somehting for everyone. Everthing from children's school shows about bullying or some current valid theme to musicals like "Narnia" to classics like the suspenseful thriller "Wait Until Dark."The theatre is well used an well managed Eric Goudie. The seating area wnet through a nice transformation a few years ago and their isn't a bad seat in the house. All comfortable and cosy. Now the stage itself and the backstage could use some work. Finally the washroom facilities are not adequate enough especially for people who cannot go upstairs to the second washroom if the one tiny one in the lobby is lined up.But I definitely recommend the Fergus Grand. Check out their seasons and packages.