At the Mary Winspear Centre
Sleeping Beauty December 22, 23 & 29 at 7:30 p.m. December 26, 27, 28 at 2:00 p.m. Charlie White Theatre at the Mary Winspear Centre
The Peninsula Players present the Christmas Pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, in a novel reworking of the classic fairytale. Filled with humour, dancing, music, and audience participation this performance is fun for the whole family. At her christening, Princess Aurora is blessed by a group of fairies but cursed by a wicked fairy who was inadvertently left off the guest list. However, her life appears to be developing normally until her 17th birthday when she pricks her finger and falls asleep for a hundred years. She is awakened by a young prince from nearby Langford (who is also the son of the wicked fairy) and who is expected to marry her - but there seems to be a snag. The local shopkeeper, her son and a young fairy try to help Aurora find a solution to the snag but the wicked fairy, aided by her henchmen, does her best to thwart their plans. Will she succeed or will good triumph?
New Year's Eve with the Timebenders Ring in the New Year at the Peninsula's hottest party! Sunday, December 31. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. (19+ event)
The Timebenders Experience is a musical romp through the ages featuring the best dance music and outrageous impersonations of the greatest stars over the last 60 years. A very fast-paced and high-energy presentation makes this show irresistible to dancers and with more than 22 costume changes and upbeat choreography, an exciting show to watch. Performers are constantly moving and rotating positions bringing you an ever-changing, fresh look and sound throughout the evening as the Timebenders' show covers almost every musical genre from the vocally-charged harmonies of the 50s, the British Invasion, California and Motown sound of the 60s, Glam Rock and Disco beats of the 70s, the New Wave of the 80s, Divas of the 90s, and even some surprises from this past decade and hits of today. Included in your ticket purchase is a wacky photo booth with unlimited photos, a glass of champagne and a fun assortment of New Year's hats and noise makers.
The Storybook Nutcracker Sunday, December 10 & 17 at 2 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre
Ballet Étoile presents ‘The Storybook Nutcracker’, a unique production bringing the classic Nutcracker story to life with engaging narration, vibrant costumes and the intimate setting of the Charlie White Theatre. After receiving an unusual Christmas gift from her Uncle Drosselmeyer, Clara is swept away on a magical adventure to the Kingdom of the Sweets, encountering a number of enchanting characters along the way. At just over 60 minutes in length, The Storybook Nutcracker is perfectly suited to younger audience members and first-time ballet attendees.
Uncle Wiggly’s Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas Friday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Big Hank’s Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas Featuring Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band
Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band has been around since 1978. The band toured extensively in the 80s, opening for such legends as Muddy Waters, Joe Cocker, James Cotton, Koko Taylor and Paul Butterfield to name a few. In January of 2015, UWHSBB had the opportunity to represent British Columbia in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge. This show is a collection of traditional Blues Christmas tunes from the 20s, 30s, 40s 50s and 60s by the likes of Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, BB King, Eric Clapton, Charles Brown and Etta James and many more. This is not the usual Christmas Show of standard Christmas carols you know but a tribute that gives you a look into the souls of these fabulous Blues legends by sharing the Christmas Blues songs written by them. You will find it a refreshing take on a Christmas music show. For details and videos go to unclewigglyshotshoesbluesband.com
Nearly Neil Diamond “Nearly Christmas” Sat, Dec 16, 7:30 p.m., Mary Winspear Centre
Nearly Neil Diamond features Bobby Bruce and the Solitary Band. Arriving just in time for Christmas, this show will be a magical evening of song and music. Bobby Bruce grew up on stage, appearing in film and television as a child, and musical theatre and rock revues in his youth. He invested more than a quarter of a century honing his triple-threat set of entertainment skills. For more than 20 years, Bobby has been astounding audiences around the globe with his dynamic and passionate musical tribute to Neil Diamond. Classically Diamond; Bobby’s tender retelling of Diamond’s classics with Piano and String Quartet accompaniment debued in 2016. This year, he is continuing to tour at home and abroad with his 15th tour of Australia and his most recent cruise appearance onboard the six-star Silver Whisper. Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band have entertained at casinos, wineries, festivals and galas. Always happy to be playing in his backyard, (he and his wife of 27 years, Leanne, live on Gambier Island, and his mother, older brother and sister all live on Vancouver Island) Bobby is looking forward to returning to the Mary Winspear Theatre in Sidney on December 16th. It’s Nearly Christmas reminds us through Diamond’s greatest hits of family and friendship that make the holiday season so special.