After two years of packed audiences and rave reviews, Scarborough’s summer tradition is expanding to three productions. From a whimsical journey through Wonderland, to a hilariously ill-fated boating holiday, to the darker themes of true crime, this season is about journeys and discoveries. With an all-Canadian selection of scripts, as well as Family Fest, a popular festival for young audiences, Guild Festival Theatre’s (GFT) 2023 season is another reason to celebrate Scarborough!
Season launch party featuring Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing: Alex Pangman (July 6)
Get ready for a swingin’ summer season launch party like no other! Join GFT on July 6 for an evening of swinging tunes and fancy footwork at their upcoming concert featuring the delightful Alex Pangman and her Alleycats quintet. Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing will transport you back to the roaring 1930s with her crisp, clear voice and impeccable song styling. With a talented band of crackerjack musicians – John MacLeod, Peter Hill, Glenn Anderson and Chris Banks – by her side, the Alleycats will bring this musical style to life with their undeniable expertise.
This free event includes a dance lesson with Swing Toronto at 6:30 PM, with the concert starting at 7:30 PM.
Family Fest (July 7 – 9)
Launching the season with this popular annual event, Family Fest offers a variety of free performances and activities for people of all ages. The event will have live performances, music, dance, games and many more fun activities, such as workshops and performances by Bach Children’s Chorus, Charlie Petch, Diana Tso, and more. To learn more about the lineup, featuring both returning favourites and exciting new acts, check out the details here.
Alice in Wonderland (July 12 – 22)
Adapted by David Savoy
After a sold-out run in 2021, as well as seven Dora nominations and two wins (Outstanding Performance by an Individual & the Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award), Alice in Wonderland will make a spectacular return to Guild Park before touring to theatres across the province.
Three Men in a Boat (July 27 – August 13)
Adapted by Mark Brownell
Award-winning writer/director team Mark Brownell and Sue Miner present a hilarious adaptation of Jerome K. Jerome’s classic Victorian satire. Join our three intrepid bachelors Jay, George and Harris (and their dog) as they spend a disastrous weekend punting up the river Thames.
The Drowning Girls (August 17 – 27)
By Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic
A true crime story about three brides with a gruesome connection: they were all married to and murdered by the same man. Hauntingly poetic and unnervingly playful, this award-winning play will bring a touch of mystery to the Greek Theatre.
About Guild Festival Theatre
Guild Festival Theatre (GFT) is Scarborough’s only professional theatre company. Since 2011, they’ve been performing classics outdoors at the Greek Theatre in Guild Park & Gardens in the summer. Presenting plays whose universality and timelessness speak to modern audiences, GFT is committed to expanding the conventional definition of theatre classics by highlighting stories and artists that reflect the diverse, multicultural community that we call home. Learn more about them here.
Alice (Kiana Woo) meets the Cheshire Cat (Muhaddisah, with tail). Photo by Raph Nogal Photography. Production design by Nancy Anne Perrin.
Event details
Hosted by: Guild Festival Theatre
Type of event: outdoor theatre performances + a swing concert
Season dates: Thursday, July 6 – Sunday, August 27, 2023 (please refer to each event/production for details)
- July 6: Season launch party featuring singer Alex Pangman
- July 7 – 9: Family Fest
- July 12 – 22: Alice in Wonderland
- July 27 – August 13: Three Men in a Boat
- August 17 – 27: The Drowning Girls
Start time:
- Launch party on July 6 starts at 6:00 PM EDT
- Family Fest: Please check the website for the schedule.
- Alice in Wonderland, Three Men in a Boat and The Drowning Girls: Tuesdays – Saturdays at 7:30 PM EDT and Sundays at 5:30 PM EDT
Duration: various
Cost: Launch party & Family Fest are free and don’t require registration. Single tickets for the plays: C$20.00-$30.00; Two-show pass: C$50.00; Three-show pass: C$70.00; Family pass for Alice in Wonderland: C$90.00
Location: The Greek Theatre, Guild Park & Gardens, 201 Guildwood Parkway, Scarborough, ON.
Public transit: From Kennedy subway station, take the 116 or 116A eastbound bus to the ‘Guild Inn’ stop on Guildwood Parkway. Enter the gate into the park.
Booking link for theatre performances: Book your play tickets and passes here.
Contact Details: Guild Festival Theatre, 19 Earswick Drive, Scarborough, ON, M1E 1C7; 647-250-7438, boxoffice@guildfestivaltheatre.ca, www.guildfestivaltheatre.ca
Content warning: Please refer to the individual production details.
Accessibility: Guild Park, where GFT performs, is wheelchair accessible, has accessible washrooms and also has hearing assistance.
Refund policy: Please contact the theatre company: boxoffice@guildfestivaltheatre.ca or call 647-576-7822.