Eldritch Theatre is an award-winning Toronto-based theatre company specializing in tales of the uncanny – combining horror, puppetry and parlour magic for an entertaining, bone-chilling theatrical experience. They also offer workshops about puppetry for kids and adults, including annual March Break events for kids. By the way, “Eldritch” means “strange or unnatural especially in a way that inspires fear: WEIRD, EERIE” (Merriam-Webster); and refers to things that are otherworldly and uncanny.
The company produces adaptations of beloved classics, like Kafka’s Metamorphosis and Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness in their production of TWO WEIRD TALES, as well as original plays, for example ones featuring old legends (The Harrowing of Brimstone McReedy) and cosmic themes (Space Opera Zero!).
Eric Woolfe is one of the city’s genuine, gloriously obsessive originals. No other local theatre company has as completely-defined an aesthetic as his Eldritch Theatre, which specializes in imaginative, lo-fi, old-school horror and mystery stories, with puppetry and a bit of magic thrown into the mix. – Glenn Sumi
Founded by Artistic Director, actor, writer and puppeteer Eric Woolfe and Samara Nicholds in 1999, and currently helmed by Woolfe and Artistic Producer Adrianna Prosser, they are also the resident theatre company and caretakers of Red Sandcastle Theatre in Leslieville.
To get a better idea of what Eldritch Theatre is all about, check out their reel.
(Photo credits: Eldritch Theatre)
What we like about this theatre company
Eldritch Theatre offers audiences spine-tingling good times, combining horror, puppetry and magic for some old-school, low-tech fun, with stories ranging from terrifying tales of the supernatural and the uncanny, to cosmic adventures and film noir-like mysteries.
We love the vintage vibe of this company. Their aesthetic is also visible in the front window at Red Sandcastle Theatre: an intriguing window display that changes on a regular basis. At the time of writing it featured the Museum of Uncommon Phenomena, eccentric exhibits and museum-style installations that engage imaginations of all ages and present “the fantastic in the everyday and the everyday in the fantastic”.
Eric Woolfe’s artistry with puppetry and magic with cards is truly astounding. Think you can best vaudevillian huckster Buster Canfield at cards? Give it a try – if you’re feeling lucky. (Written by C.M.)
Ideas for where you can go from here:
- Visit Eldritch Theatre.
- Check out what’s on at Eldritch Theatre. See what upcoming creepy tale tickles your fancy and buy a ticket if you dare.
- Read about their frightening origin story and cabal of artists.
- Join their Inner Sanctum to receive deep ticket discounts, alerts to members-only events and other perks.
Accessibility: Access to the theatre space and washroom is on the main floor of the theatre.
We love theatre companies because they inspire you to get out and experience live theatre. Experiencing live theatre allows you to immerse yourself in the characters and story in a deeper, more meaningful way. Immersing yourself in the characters and story in a deeper, more meaningful way is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring PERFORMANCE and the other 8 pillars of Arts & Letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.
Broken or out-of-date link? Let us know and we’ll fix it. Thanks for helping us keep the information on Young W up to date.
