September always signals change. Not just hints that the seasons are changing (don’t fret, there’s still plenty of warm weather left!), but it’s back to school, a return to schedules and routines. There’s still lots to see and do before the leaves turn and cooler nights take over.
On the Boards
Theatre in Southwestern Ontario is going strong. You still have time to see some great summer theatre before these shows disappear.
Steve Ross’ goldfish continues its run at the Port Stanley Theatre Festival until the middle of September. Originally a one-act play presented by Here For Now Theatre in Stratford, goldfish is a heartwarming story of two neighbours, generations apart, that find friendship through laughter, understanding and kindness. psft.ca
Blyth Festival has extended the run of Emma Donoghue’s The Wind Coming Over The Sea through to October 5. Audiences are loving this show about the struggles of immigrants facing uncertainty in a new country. The tale is told using the letters exchanged between a husband and wife, and is filled with plenty of traditional ballads and Irish folk songs. blythfestival.com
Victoria Playhouse Petrolia concludes its season with a tribute show, All About ABBA, from September 16 to October 3. A celebration of the songs and the stories that made ABBA a true international phenomenon. thevpp.ca
September also brings the new season to London’s Grand Theatre. The High School Project is in its 27th year and opens on September 17 with Newsies. The annual show is always a highlight, featuring extremely talented high school students on stage and behind the scenes. The students are all from the London area and are mentored by professional artists and coaches from all departments at The Grand: performance, stage management, props, wardrobe, scenic art, orchestra, tech and marketing.
The regular season opens officially on October 14 with The Show That Goes Wrong, a comedic tour de force. grandtheatre.com
Broadway in London presents hot touring shows from Broadway at Canada Life Place (formerly Budweiser Gardens). There are six shows included in the overall package, but you can purchase individual tickets. No reason to travel to New York — professional touring companies bring the show to you!
The 2025–26 season starts November 18 with How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Other shows in the series include the Tony-winning Hadestown, Stomp 30, Clue, Kinky Boots, and the season-ending hit show BEETLEJUICE, which will open September 1, 2026. Based on Tim Burton’s hit film, BEETLEJUICE tells the story of an unusual teenager whose life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with “a thing” for stripes. broadwayinlondon.com
The Benz Gallery
When Jens Thielsen wanted to retire from operating his namesake gallery, Greg Benz saw an opportunity that he says “just made sense.” What he didn’t count on at the time was a pandemic shutting down everything as soon as he took over the gallery in 2020.
Benz is a graduate of London’s BealART Program, where so many of our local artists have developed their skills. He maintains a connection with Beal and supports emerging artists whenever he can, often being the first gallery to exhibit their works. A multi-talented artist himself, Benz has been a DJ, recorded his music, and has designed many t-shirts (and still dabbles if it’s the right project).
Besides operating his gallery, he is a working artist, creating contemporary landscapes in resin and mixed media. His works are featured in galleries in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, and, of course, at The Benz Gallery.
Benz clearly remembers his gallery’s first customer: Tessa Virtue, the Olympic and World Championship ice dancer. Because of the pandemic, it was a private viewing of the gallery, and yes, she bought a painting.
The Benz Gallery owner Greg Benz and some of his art.
Continuing the legacy of the Thielsen Gallery, Benz emphasizes the representation of Canadian artists, particularly from Southwestern Ontario.
Upon entering the Gallery on Adelaide Street, you are immersed in exciting contemporary artworks, sculptures, and ceramics. Currently featuring over 50 different artists with recognizable names to Londoners — Bryan Jesney, Laura Woermke, Dan Tamborro, Shane Norrie, Duama Stirbyte, and many others — Benz loves to answer any questions you may have about any artist in the Gallery. He knows the artists he represents; some have been longtime friends, so he knows their history, techniques, and fun little facts that personalize your experience.
The Benz Gallery just announced an exciting collaboration with The London Club that will feature artists’ works throughout the Club on Queens Avenue on a rotating basis. “It’s a win-win,” says Benz. “The London Club has new works displayed throughout the building, and artists are displayed outside of the gallery in a more casual setting.”
Greg Benz is celebrating the fifth year of his ownership of his eponymous Gallery in September. While details are still in the works, he promises that there will be a great arty-party with guest artists. Watch the website for dates and details. thebenzgallery.com
Matilda Gallery & Art Bar
Matilda Gallery & Art Bar is mere steps away from the Avon Theatre in Stratford. It’s always worth a visit whenever you see a play at the Stratford Festival (congrats to the Festival on their season and show extensions!). This gallery is chock full of paintings in a variety of styles, ranging from whimsical, folk, or abstract, to traditional. Every inch of the space is filled with art, sculptures, and fabric art. It’s also a fantastic wine and cocktail bar. The space has lovely seating to enjoy a beverage and let your eyes wander, and enjoy the artworks.
The September show, As You Art It, will feature the talented artists from the Stratford Festival itself. This will be a truly eclectic show where the possibilities are endless. The gallery is considered a multifunctional space, so expect some performances and music along with artworks from the creative minds at the Festival. matildagalleryartbar.com
A second location in Collingwood, The Matilda Swanson Gallery, is also strongly recommended if you are ever in that area. matildaswansongallery.com
Arty-Facts
The Donnelly tragedy has captured the imagination of many playwrights and authors over the years, including James Reaney Sr., a recognized poet, author, playwright, and professor of English at Western University. He wrote The Donnellys: A Trilogy, which was brilliantly staged in Blyth in 2023. This October, AlvegoRoot Theatre is presenting Reaney’s Sleigh Without Bells: A Donnelly Story. Reaney’s play focuses on a young man who finds himself at the Donnelly farmstead and realizes that his own life is in grave danger. This is an opportunity to see a play that is rarely performed. alvegoroottheatre.com
The weekend of September 12–14 will be a busy one in downtown London. Comic Con will be held at RBC Place, with celebrities, voice actors, and other artists. From comics to cosplay, anime to gaming, this is where thousands of fans meet up and celebrate their fandom. londoncomiccon.ca
The Lucky Lion Night Market will be taking over Victoria Park that same weekend. There are craft stalls, vendors, food, music, and lots to do. The highlight is the illuminated Chinese Dragons as they move through the crowds and around the park at dark. It’s a magical experience and it’s free. luckylionnightmarket.ca/london
London’s Forest City Film Festival is celebrating its 10th year. From October 24 to November 2, the FCFF will shine a spotlight on cinema through a regional lens. FCFF includes Q&As, workshops, parties, and more. They generally release the film screening lineup early September, so visit their website for announcements. fcff.ca
Lastly, congratulations to local poet Penn Kemp. Kemp has long been a keen participant and activist in Canada’s cultural life with more than thirty books of poetry, prose, and drama, seven plays, and 10 CDs and award-winning video poems. The League of Canadian Poets has honoured her with the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025. Quite the honour and recognition for an extensive body of work. pennkemp.weebly.com
KATHY NAVACKAS is a passionate and lifelong arts supporter. Having little artistic talent of her own (she maintains), she loves to use her skills and enthusiasm to support and promote the artists she deeply admires.
