Frontmezzjunkies reports: London’s historic Grand Theatre celebrates 125 years on the Spriet Stage with its 2026/27 season.

By Ross

Some theatres become part of the landscape of your life. For me, the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, is one of them. I have sat in that auditorium as a critic, as a curious student of theatre history, and as an audience member watching artists take risks on the Spriet Stage since I was a teenager. It was the first real theatre where I ever took my seat and saw a play. And over the years, I have watched with pride as the company built itself a reputation that reaches well beyond the city. It is a theatre that understands its audience, its artists, and the long story of performance that continues to unfold inside those red-brick walls.

This week, the Grand Theatre announced its 2026/27 season, titled All in Grand Time. The upcoming year marks Artistic Director Rachel Peake’s third season leading the company and an extraordinary milestone. The Spriet Stage enters its 125th year of live performance, a remarkable run for one of Canada’s oldest continually operating theatres, and I’m proud to call it my hometown theatre.

Time has always been part of the Grand Theatre’s identity. Productions arrive, run for a few weeks, and then, hopefully, find their own wings to fly. The building itself carries the echoes of generations of performances. Actors who stepped onto the stage decades ago share a lineage with the artists preparing for opening nights today. That sense of continuity is part of what makes following this company so rewarding.

Few regional theatres in Canada carry that kind of continuous history. The Grand has survived changing artistic movements, economic cycles, and shifting audiences. Through it all, the stage lights have continued to rise.

“One of the joys of the theatre is its ability to play with time. Every one of our London Made productions is undeniably a race to Opening Night. But the stories on stage allow audiences to stop the clock, sprint through moments, or sit fully present within them.”
— Rachel Peake, Artistic Director

The upcoming season reflects that curiosity about time in several different ways. The productions travel across centuries, genres, and theatrical traditions. Some are playful. Some lean into nostalgia. Others look forward and ask difficult questions about the world ahead.

Across comedy, musicals, new Canadian work, and beloved classics, the Grand’s upcoming season moves through many different moments in history. Some of the titles will feel familiar. Others will introduce audiences to stories they have not yet encountered. Together they form the next chapter in the long life of the Spriet Stage.

The lineup that follows promises a season that moves easily between comedy, music, new Canadian work, and classic storytelling. I can’t wait to be sitting once again in that beautiful theatre, ready to take it all in. And to write about the next chapter of the Grand’s story here on Frontmezzjunkies.

2026/27 SEASON AT THE GRAND THEATRE: “All in Grand Time“

DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS

By Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen

Directed by Krista Jackson

October 20 to November 7, 2026

Perfect for all blood types. Off-Broadway’s campy twist on horror’s oldest crush!

Drac is back – single, sexy, and he’s got a type. This fast-paced, gender-bending, quick-changing, farce with fangs is guaranteed to quicken your pulse in between screams of laughter.

A meek British realtor takes on a new and mysterious client, who just happens to be the most terrifying and bloodthirsty monster the world has ever known. The client’s deep pockets? Irresistible. His attraction to the realtor’s fiancée? Concerning. Meanwhile, three women – a doctor, a soil-enthusiast, and a failed flirt – navigate the men amongst them and find a way to stop all the bloody dying, no matter how dangerously sexy it is.

Award-winning director, Krista Jackson (Stratford’s The Diviners) is known to Grand audiences for a fast-paced and deliciously dark laugh. This London-made production of the world’s hottest take on its least honourable prince will leave you thirsty for more.

“It’s sexy, campy, satirical, and fun. The amazing Krista Jackson, former Associate Artistic Director at the Grand, is directing this gorgeous production with a small, clever cast. Expect all the delight that Grand audiences love in a comedy, with a bass note of smart social commentary.” – Rachel Peake

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By David van Belle

Based on the novella by Charles Dickens

Directed by Rachel Peake

Music Directed by Stephen Ingram

Choreographed by Genny Sermonia

November 24 to December 27, 2026

A musical re-imagining of the tale of Scrooge, Cratchit, and the magic of the holidays. Bah humbug!

Much mistletoeing, hearts a-glowing, family and spooky spirits gathered near, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join Scrooge and the Cratchit family for a holiday musical spectacular with the story and carols that you grew up on – now in a new Canadian adaptation set in the nostalgia of a 1940s department store, a little like Macy’s, a little like Kingsmill’s, and a lot like memories of sitting on Santa’s knee.

This musical retelling of A Christmas Carol features performances straight from the holiday songbook, including seasonal favourites “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, and more. Marvel as the holiday season comes to life with shoppers busily checking their lists and staff holiday parties that whirl and twirl the night away with stunning choreography and a live band on stage.

“I love this show. It’s heartwarming, it’s nostalgic, it’s the holidays. It calls on us to do good in the world. And it’s a Canadian adaptation by the incredible David van Belle. I was part of its development in Edmonton and now I get to direct it in its second iteration in a big, beautiful, London-made holiday musical production.” – Rachel Peake, Artistic Director

cicadas

Created by David Yee and Chris Thornborrow

Directed by Nina Lee Aquino

January 19 to February 6, 2027

A Grand Theatre Revival of the NAC English Theatre/Tarragon Theatre Co-Production

What if your house had a mind of its own? An eerie eco-thriller that hits close to home.

It’s 2035, and an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a young girl leads to an old, mysterious house that seems to be sinking into the earth. A flood with no leak, walls consumed by long-extinct botanicals, and hordes of cicadas are only a few of the odd occurrences seeping up through the old floorboards.

In partnership with the National Arts Centre and Tarragon Theatre, this world premiere is an eco-thriller fully-scored with a live orchestra – that imagines a gripping, immersive future reality, illuminating our profound connection to nature without laying blame.

Created by Siminovitch laureate and Governor General’s Award-winner, David Yee (acts of faith), scored by Dora Award-winning composer Chris Thornborrow, and directed by none other than the National Arts Centre’s Artistic Director, Nina Lee Aquino (Factory’s The Waltz).

“As a live experience, theatre has a unique ability to be creepy, scary, give you goosebumps in your seat. This piece, written by one of Canada’s most dynamic and exciting writers, David Yee, does exactly that. From podcast to stage to VR and beyond, from Ottawa to Toronto to London, I cannot wait to share this with audiences at the Grand!” – Rachel Peake, Artistic Director

SOMEWHERE

By Matthew López

Directed by Carmen Aguirre

Choreographed by Genny Sermonia

February 23 to March 13, 2027

Subsequently produced by Hartford Stage Company, Hartford, CT

New York breaks ground on a bold new era, while the West Side Story dream of a family of dancers hangs in the balance.

It’s 1959, and West Side Story is all that anyone can talk about. Inez Candelaria works as an usher on Broadway but hopes that her talented and dance-obsessed children will find fame on the other side of the footlights. Meanwhile, the family nervously counts the days until a neighbourhood-wide eviction abruptly threatens everything they have worked for.

From Tony Award-winning playwright Matthew López (The Inheritance, Some Like It Hot), the Los Angeles Times praises Somewhere as “ebullient, charming — a sprawling family drama and a coming-of-age story.” From the kitchen of their San Juan Hill apartment to stunning Jerome Robbins-inspired choreography on the streets of Manhattan, this talented and determined Puerto Rican family leans into the pure joy of dance and refuses to give up on their dreams.

“This play stole my heart. By Tony Award-winner Matthew López, it’s about dreaming, it’s about family, it’s about immigration. It’s about living in the shadow of displacement – inspired by West Side Story and also the real-life building of Lincoln Centre. It is absolutely a love letter to dance, an homage to Broadway, with a complex and beautiful message about art and the world we live in.” – Rachel Peake, Artistic Director

CYRANO DE BERGERAC

Written by Edmond Rostand, Adapted by Jessy Ardern

Directed by Amanda Goldberg

March 30 to April 17, 2027

In Partnership with the Citadel Theatre and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

Sword fights, mistaken identity, and the guy with the nose tucked under the balcony – all the classics of a timeless love story.

Written in modern verse and brimming with daring duels, quippy repartee, and a love triangle for the ages, Jessy Ardern’s adaptation of Rostand’s classic has us rooting once again for the noble Cyrano. This bold reimagining of a timeless romance brings a fresh, witty edge to the story of the lovelorn Cyrano and his rather large nose.

A gifted wordsmith and legendary duelist living in the time of the Musketeers, our hero is a loyal friend to the end, despite a series of unfortunate events and an unrequited love that threatens to consume from within. In a world obsessed with appearances, can this warrior-poet with a beak-to-be-bargained-with truly find happiness?

“Written in rhyming couplets and set in the 17^th century, this fresh new adaptation of the classic has sword fights, period costumes, and a devoted yet doomed love story – laced with nods to modern life, language, and energy.” – Rachel Peake, Artistic Director

9 TO 5

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton

Book by Patricia Resnick

Based on the 20^th Century Fox Feature

Originally Produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009

Directed by Rachel Peake

Music Directed by Alexandra Kane

Choreographed by Allison Plamondon

May 4 to 22, 2027

An ordinary day at the office takes a turn with a cult-classic revenge plot and chart-topping tunes by the one and only Dolly Parton

Clickety clack, heels on the sidewalk, nails on a keyboard … or is that Dolly working on the title track? Step into the high-waisted skirts, polyester prints, and strappy peep-toe pumps of Judy, Violet, and Doralee for a night out with 9 to 5, its trio of leading ladies, and hit music by the Queen of Country herself including “9 to 5”, “Backwoods Barbie”, “Shine Like the Sun”, and “Get Out and Stay Out.”

It’s 1979. Working for a living feels a lot like a rich man’s game, and it’s hard not to think about how good it would feel to get back at the boss – especially when he passes you over for promotion, again. Based on the blockbuster hit movie, and packed with music, mischief, and misadventure, 9 to 5 will have you singing along from your seat and rooting for working women who aren’t waiting for what’s theirs.

“9 to 5 has a playful energy while also digging into a really vital message about women in the workforce, gender equality, and pay equity. It is smart escapism with a huge heart, great songs, and a fun, energetic send off into summer.” – Rachel Peake, Artistic Director