Tag Archives: East Van Panto

East Van Panto Celebrates 10 Years With Their Own Spin On The Little Mermaid

6 Nov

The Cultch and Theatre Replacement are thrilled to present East Van Panto: The Little Mermaid, November 16, 2022 until January 1, 2023, at the York Theatre.

For a decade, Theatre Replacement and The Cultch have partnered to bring this holiday tradition like no other. It transforms well-known stories with an East Van twist and has something for all ages. This year, East Van Panto is going under the sea with a wild East Van-centric adventure to the bottom of the Burrard Inlet and back.

In East Van Panto: The Little Mermaid, Ariel is busking with her girl band at New Brighton Beach, when she falls in love with a teenage mer-person. She dives into an ocean adventure, where she makes a questionable deal with a devilish octopus named Ursula, fights off evil electric eels with her trash crab BFF, Sebastian, and has to help save the ocean from a mysterious purple slime of despair.

The writer-director duo from last year’s East Van Panto: Alice in Wonderland, Sonja Bennett and Meg Roe, return to create this year’s 10th anniversary production with Veda Hille, who has been writing the music and fun parodies of popular songs since East Van Panto began. For those that have attended past shows, you will know the music is great every year. Tickets start are $35 and are now available online for in person shows with audience participation encouraged. If you prefer to take in the show from the comfort of home, The Little Mermaid is available to watch online on-demand from December 17, 2022 – January 31, 2023 through RE/PLAY, The Cultch’s digital playground. To learn more, visit The Cultch.

“It is the silliest, most wonderful of traditions.
And for me, it has become essential.” 
The Globe and Mail

“If the East Van Panto isn’t part of your holiday tradition yet,
what are you waiting for?”
Georgia Straight

“East Van Panto has earned its place as one of the best-loved holiday traditions in Vancouver…”
Colin Thomas

Photo Credit: Emily Cooper

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East Van Panto Returns With Alice In Wonderland November 24 – January 2

12 Nov

We are excited to hear that the East Van Panto is back for its 9th year! This year it’s a trip through the looking glass with a terribly bored Alice who follows a White Rabbit onto the Skytrain, she falls down a hole only to find herself in a Grandview-Woodlands Wonderland. While tracking this elusive bunny, she encounters transit police officers Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb, a busking Cheshire Cat, gets some questionable advice from a cannabis connoisseur caterpillar, and has a heck of a time at a Commercial Drive leftist tea party. Once Alice discovers that the dastardly online mega-store owner, The Queen of Hearts, is using cookies (chocolate chip, that is!) to secretly steal East Van-ers data, she decides to stop her before all the local shops are priced out of existence!

The Cultch and Theatre Replacement are thrilled to welcome everyone back to live in person theatre at The York for all the fun. If you aren’t quite ready for attending in person, you also have the option of joining them online. To grab your tickets, visit The Cultch online. Online tickets start from $35 and in-person tickets from $69.

Photo Credit: Tim Matheson

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Holiday Favourite East Van Panto Goes Digital This December

30 Nov
One of our favourite things in December is attending the East Van Panto at The Cultch. It’s always good fun with lots of laughs for all ages. And honestly couldn’t we all use a few more laughs this year? For its 8th season, Theatre Replacement’s Artistic Directors James Long and Maiko Yamamoto are bringing the production digital direct to your living room.

In 2020’s Panto Come Home!  Artistic Directors James Long and Maiko Yamamoto sneak into the York to find a very sad pyjama clad Veda Hille parked at her piano. Seems she’s moved into the theatre and has been spending her days trying to relive Panto memories of old. In an attempt to cheer her up they call up a bunch of their favourite Panto friends to sing and dance her best East Van Panto hits. Things go sideways fast when the Phanto of the Panto swoops in. He’s been watching these things ever since Jack and the Beanstalk opened the York 8 years ago and has a few choice ideas on how to make this year’s Panto really work. We hear physically-distanced antics then ensue.

Expect a silly production as favourites from Pantos past come together to remix the best of the last seven Pantos into a brand new holiday extravaganza. From the ‘Cheese Song’ to the BC Ferry Godmother, Panto Come Home! is guaranteed fun for the whole family. So grab your front row seat where you can cheer, sing and dance along with the show in the comfort of your home, hey in your PJs if you want. Panto Come Home! runs December 17-27, 2020. Single tickets start from $35 with a Family Box available with other options. To learn more or purchase your ticket(s), visit The Cultch.

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What’s On East Van: November 22nd Edition

22 Nov

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Community Centre – November 22 – 24

The 34th Annual Christmas Craft Fair happens this weekend with over 50 local artisans and makers with handmade items for gift giving this holiday season.  Enjoy live music while shopping. The craft fair runs Friday 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $2. Stop by and get a jump on your Christmas shopping. To learn more, visit Britannia Christmas Craft Fair on Facebook.

Aurora Winter Festival – Hastings Park/PNE – November 22

The Aurora Winter Festival kicks off this Friday at Hastings Park/PNE with an array of indoor and outdoor activities, Christmas Market, games, rides.  This is an all ages event. For tickets, visit Ticketleader.

Fado: The Saddest Music in The World – Firehall Arts Centre – November 22

A play featuring Fado music with origins going back to the early 1800s in Lisbon, Portugal.  This music is a distinct part and proud part of Portuguese culture. If you haven’t experienced it, we invite you to check out this production at the Firehall Arts Centre kicking on this weekend. For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue – November 23 + 24

If vintage and collectables is your thing, Eastside Flea will have that in spades this weekend along handmade items and food trukcs from11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Oh and dogs are welcome to come wander with you, on a leash of course.

Christmas On The Drive – November 24

The Commercial Drive Business Improvement Association along with other sponsors will again be hosting Christmas On The Drive this Sunday between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.  This includes horse carriage rides, pictures with Santa from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, treats and hot beverages, dueling pianos and more. The starting point is The Drive Mortgage Store at 1250 Commercial Drive.  The finishing point is the tree lighting in Grandview Park at 5:00 pm.

East Van Panto: Pinocchio – The York – On Now Until January 5, 2020

Our favourite holiday tradition just kicked off this week.  Take in this fun and entertaining show that is fun for all ages. Just remember if you are in the front row, you might become part of the production. This year’s panto is Pinocchio and touches on some unique aspects in East Van, such as the mysterious Beckwoman and the coffee wars on The Drive for starters. Tickets for the East Van Panto Pinocchio start at $26 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $145. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.  Note, the show will be performed at the York Theatre.

 Comedy, Music & Entertainment & More 

Do you love cartoons? Miss those Saturday morning cartoons you used to watch as a kid. Do you know Storm Crow Tavern offers cartoons Saturday morning from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm whilst you enjoy breakfast/brunch?

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, no cover.

Looking to support our local growers and makers? Stop by one of the Winter Farmer Markets happening on either Saturday or Sunday.  Saturday we have  Riley Park Farmers Market at 30th & Ontario from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday, it’s Hastings Park Winters Farmers Market also from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To see more of What’s On in East Vancouver,  check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those on a budget and in Vancouver, who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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East Van Panto: Pinocchio – November 20, 2019 to January 5, 2020

18 Nov

PinocchioEastVanPantoWe are admittedly huge fans of the East Van Panto. This has become a fun holiday tradition for us. Honestly, we can’t imagine Christmas without it.  This year The East Van Panto celebrates its 7th season with the presentation of Pinocchio. This year’s production welcomes back the creative team behind last year’s Wizard of Oz.  In this year’s storyline, a lonely old ice-cream seller named Gelato is given a puppet by the mysterious Beckwoman of Commercial Drive (have you met her? She is very mysterious, but we digress).  Gelato dreams of having a child and all of sudden his wish comes true. He goes around trying to tell everyone, which means a famous cricket, an angry orca and a dastardly fox, but does anyone believe him?  The Drive can be a scary place, a cappuccino war might break out anytime between the Abruzzos and the Calabrias (no really, it might).  We learn that kids are ditching class to go to The Hastings Racecourse, but why?  Well Pinocchio is advised not to worry, but instead to follow his noise and all will be fine, or will it? Grab your ticket(s) to find out.  Tickets for the East Van Panto Pinocchio start at $26 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $145. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.  Note, the show will be performed at the York Theatre.

What people are saying about the East Van Panto, in case you haven’t heard the rave reviews. It is a night to get out have a little fun and laugh at what makes East Van unique.

Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto has become a Vancouver tradition, to the point where it’s hard to imagine the holidays without it.” 
Vancouver Musicals

Every year [East Van Panto] gets bigger and funnier”
Vancouver Presents

The East Van Panto is now officially the best holiday tradition in Vancouver”
Colin Thomas

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What’s On East Van: December 21st Edition

21 Dec

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week.  Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Sound Of Music Sing-A-Long – Rio Theatre – December 21st

Looking for a light hearted and fun evening, the Rio Theatre has a great line of movies this weekend.  Friday night kicks it off with a Sound Of Music Sing-A-Long that starts at 6:30 pm.

Dirty Betty Show – Café Deux Soleils – December 21st

Looking for a fun night out?  Check out the Dirty Betty Show happening at Café Deux Soleils Friday night featuring comedians, improvisers and drag superstars. Show kicks off at 8:30 pm.

Pack Animals: A Very Campy Christmas – Havana Theatre Dec. 21st & 22nd

Has Christmas and all the festivities, events and stress surrounding Christmas made you just a wee bit nutty?  Then you may wish to break from it all with an entertaining production happening at Havana Theatre this Friday and Saturday night. It’s called Pack Animals: A Very Campy Christmas and features campfire songs, untrimmed trees and not the usual Christmas entertainment.  Tickets are $15 and available through Showpass.

It’s A Wonderful Life – Rio Theatre – December 22nd

Need a little help getting into the Christmas spirit this year? Why not check out the classic movie “It’s A Wonderful Life’ showing at the Rio Theatre this Saturday afternoon 4:15 pm.

June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street – December 22nd

If you want a truly relaxed shopping experience including mulled wine, great conversation and some crow therapy, stop by June Hunter’s Last Minute Studio Sale happening Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. We may even see you there.  June’s studio is located in Hastings Street at 2785 Parker Street just East of Nanaimo Street.

Family Science Discovery Fair – Kensington VPL – December 23rd

Science World comes to the Kensington Branch of the Vancouver Public Library (1428 Cedar Cottage Mews) this Sunday.  They will be hosting a Science Discovery Fair from 1:30 – 4:30 pm to peak children’s interest in discovery and exploration. The event is free. To register, visit Eventbrite.

East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz – The York 

The East Van Panto continues this weekend at the York Theatre. This is a whole lot of fun for all ages. You can’t help but laugh at the fun digs and political references which poke fun at the unique aspects of our City.  We highly recommend this for a fun night out, or if you prefer a matinee. Tickets available via The Cultch.

Daisy Theatre: A Christmas Carol – The Cultch Until December 22nd

This is your last weekend to catch Ronnie Burkett perform with his Daisy Theatre. A whole of laughs, we promise and adult oriented. On at The Cultch until December 22nd.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

Looking for live music, Libra Room on The Drive has a regular line up of music. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3-7 pm, no cover.

Two winter farmer markets happen this weekend. Saturday it’s the Riley Park Farmers Market from a0:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday, the Hastings Park Farmers Market also happens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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What’s On East Van: December 7th Edition

7 Dec

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week.  Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz – The York 

If you are looking for some family fun this weekend, our choice would be the East Van Panto.  This production now in its 6th year has something for everyone. Fun digs and political references for the big adults and fun interaction for the wee ones.  The production as always pokes a little fun about the unique aspects of our City.  We highly recommend this for a fun night out, or if you prefer a matinee. Tickets available via The Cultch.

Daisy Theatre: A Christmas Carol – The Cultch Until December 22nd

If you have not seen Ronnie Burkett perform with his Daisy Theatre, you truly are missing out.  This production, which is puppets for adults, is back at The Cultch and runs till December 22nd. The energy and creativity that Ronnie brings to each show is nothing short of amazing.  For tickets, visit The Cultch.

Plant Club – Figaro’s Garden Centre – December 7th

We have to admit, we love Figaro’s Garden Centre at 1896 Victoria Drive (at 3rd Ave). This Friday, you are invited to Plant Club.  Stop by and have a glass of wine between 3:30 and 6:00 pm and talk plants, or stop by to make a swag or wreath with them for the holiday season.

Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Avenue – December 8th

The 3rd Annual Tugboat Landing Artisan Market happens this Saturday at 2010 East Kent Ave (at Victoria Drive) on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver. This is a curated market with just over 20 vendors offering a great array of items perfect for gift giving this holiday season.  There will be coffee, tea and sweets available all by donation with proceeds benefitting the Vancouver BC SPCA.  Did we mention, ILiveInEastVan will be there as a vendor with tote bags, t-shirts, toques and more.  Stop by and say hello. Free admission. Event happens 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Mushroom Cultivation – Collingwood Neighbourhood House – December 8th

If you are interested in growing and cultivating mushrooms, there’s an introductory Workshop this Saturday at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  You will learn lots of simple DIY methods. Cost is $35. To register, email collingwoodurbanag@gmail.com.

Weirdos Holiday Market – Wise Hall – December 8th & 9th

This weekend the Wise Hall plays host to the Weirdos Holiday Market. Think eclectic, outlandish, unique and unusual gifts that are most definitely on the quirky side.  Admission is $2 and happens Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am – 6 pm.

Winter Wonderland – Mt. Pleasant Neighbhourhood House –December 8th

This weekend, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House hosts a Winter Wonderland. You are invited to walk through a Winter Wonderland, take a picture with Santa and enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage along with coffee & tea. Cost for Winter Wonderland only is $2 per person.  For Breakfast and Winter Wonderland, the cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children 3-12 years, children 2 and under are free.  Breakfast event happens Saturday with time slots from 9:30 am to Noon.  Winter Wonderland is also available December 6th & 7th. To register, call 604.879.8208.

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy – Heritage Hall – December 8th & 9th

Shiny Fuzzy Muddy  happens this weekend at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street. This is  a curated market featuring amazing talent in design, art and fine craft.  Their Holiday Showcase happens Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $4.00 at the door.

Mr. Dance Christmas Party – The Alpen Club – December 9th

If you love to dance and want others to dance with, then the Alpen Club might be the place for you this Sunday.  Mr. Dance regularly features 1 hour dance lessons on Sunday nights at The Alpen Club on Victoria at 33rd Avenue. This Sunday is their Christmas Party which will again feature at 1 hour dance lesson at 6:30 pm followed by a dance show and dancing until 11:00 pm. There is free parking and hearty German food available from The Alpen Club.   Admission is $12.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

Looking for live music, Libra Room on The Drive has a regular line up of music. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3-7 pm, no cover.

Two winter farmer markets happen this weekend. Saturday it’s the Riley Park Farmers Market from a0:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday, the Hastings Park Farmers Market also happens from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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East Van Panto: The Wizard Of Oz At The York November 26, 2018 to January 6, 2019

6 Nov

EastVanPantoWizardOfOzWe are admittedly huge fans of the East Van Panto. This has become a fun holiday tradition for us.  We can’t imagine Christmas without it.  This year The East Van Panto celebrates its 6th season with the presentation of The Wizard of Oz. In this year’s storyline, we hear that a pipeline has burst and Dorothy and Toto are flung to the magical Land Of Oz (also known as Nanaimo and Hastings).  There, Dorothy is pursued by the Wicked Witch and embarks on a journey to the World’s Greenest City in search of brains, heart, courage and yes, yoga pants!  The East Van Panto always pokes great fun at the quirky things that make our City unique.   Come laugh a little at yourself and our fair City.  Tickets for the East Van Panto start at $24 for children 16 and under. Family packs are available for $146. To get your tickets, visit The Cultch.  For families on a tight budget, take note that The Cultch is offering $29 tickets on November 28th & 29th at 7:00 pm. They recently offered Housing Crisis Prices on a number of their productions. To get the special rate for this and other Cultch performances, visit Housing Crisis Prices.

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Panto Day At Hastings Racecourse Sunday, June 3rd

21 May

PantoAtTheRacesOne of our favourite shows at The Cultch is having a fun celebration on Sunday, June 3rd. The staff and the Board of Theatre Replacement and The Cultch invite you to celebrate five years of the East Van Panto. Hastings Racecourse we hear is generously providing their marquee tent right next to the track along with catering for 70 Panto fans.  On top of that, they will be donating $5,000 to the show.  Tickets to this family friendly event are a very reasonable $10 which includes lunch and refreshments.  There will of course be horses as well as a raffle and much fun, good cheer. Come make some new Panto friends. Note, there are only a limited amount of tickets available.  For tickets, visit The Cultch.

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What’s On East Van: January 5, 2018 Edition

5 Jan

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Lots happening in East Van this first week of the New Year. Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out cool events for the upcoming week.  Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Community Skate at PNE Agrodome – January 5th

PNE Agrodome is hosting another ice skating session Friday, January 5th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Cost is $3 for adult, $2.50 for youth/senior, $2 for kids 3-12 and kids under 2 are free. Note, there are no skate rentals or helmets, you will need to bring your own.

A Tolkien Burlesque Night – Rio Theatre – January 5th

The Geekenders & Kitty Glitter present Lord of the Schwings. If you are looking for a silly and sexy evening filled with hobbits, elves, wizards and burlesque, then grab your tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door. See Rio Theatre for tickets.

Live Christmas Tree Chipping Event – Trout Lake – January 6th & 7th

For those that have a live Christmas tree and not the benefit of curb side pick up, there’s a chipping event at the Trout Lake Community Centre Parking Lot this weekend. Happens Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Note, there is also a chipping tree event Sunday, January 7th at the Kingsgate Mall Parking Lot 10-4.

East Van Panto – York Theatre – Until January 6th

This is your last weekend to catch the fun that is the East Van Panto on now at The York Theatre until Saturday, January 6th. Fun for the whole family. Tickets start at $22. For  more information, check our recent write on the East Van Panto.

75th Annual Golden Globes Award Viewing Party – Rio Theatre – January 7th 

This year Seth Meyers hosts the 75th Annual Globe Awards which should provide a good bit of entertainment.  Fittingly, The Rio Theatre is again opening its doors for those that wish to watch the winners announced en masse. This is a free event, but items at the snack bar are not, but he seats are. First come first serve.  Event happens 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

Dancing the Globalization of Hummus with Shiraz Ramji – The Cultch – January 8th

Did you know The Cultch is hosting free events once a month?  The event is called Dark Day Monday and each month anyone from the Vancouver community can teach others something new. It can be whatever you’d like it, maybe it’s hip hop dancing, a yoga class, tai chi, meditation, an 80s dance party, a cooking class, chess, you name it, options are almost limitless.  The Cultch is providing a space to learn, create and come together. The next in the series Dark Day #5 happening Monday, January 8th is Dancing The Globalization of Hummus with Shiraz Ramji. You are invited to come out learn how to make Vancouver’s best kept secret hummus recipes with Shiraz Ramji while dancing.  Things kick off at 6:00 pm.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

Reminder the Winter Farmer Markets are back at both Nat Bailey Stadium (Saturday) and Hastings Park (Sunday) from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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