brand new STAGES
FESTIVAL 2026
FEB 24-MAR 1
A FESTIVAL OF NEW CANADIAN WORK FOR THE STAGE
7 PLAYS. 40+ ARTISTS. 2 VENUES.
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
140 Charlotte St. (Charlotte & George)
Peterborough, ON
The Theatre on King (TTOK)
171 King St. (King & George)
Peterborough ON
MARKET HALL
MAIN STAGE FESTIVAL LINEUP
THE CULL
by Michele Riml and
Michael St. John Smith
A timely drama unfolds at a dinner party in the B.C. mountains, where wildfires burn and a wolf cull is underway.
In The Cull, a group of friends gather to celebrate one couple’s 25th wedding anniversary. When a surprising business offer is made, secrets spill into the light. Will the bonds of friendship buckle? What is it that holds us together?
A powerful drama first produced by Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre, the script is in a new stage of development. Directed by Peter Pasyk.
Content advisory: Strong language. Recommended audience: 14+
Thurs. Feb 26, 2026
Showtime: 7:00 pm
MARKET HALL, PETERBOROUGH
PRESENTED BY:
MUNSCH GOES WILD
Stories by Robert Munsch, adapted and performed
by M. John Kennedy.
Directed by Dahlia Katz.
Join the incomparable M. John Kennedy for an ALL-NEW, high-octane theatrical storytelling event for the young (and young at heart)!
Bring the kids, bring the grandkids! Featuring four of Robert Munsch’s most beloved tales, told in the most creative ways. If you saw Fireside Munsch in 2025, these are all-new stories being told!
Directed by Dahlia Katz.
Ages: 4 - 104
Runtime: Approx 60 minutes
General admission seating
Tickets - $12.50 including service fees
Sun. March 1, 2026
Showtime: 10:30 am
MARKET HALL, PETERBOROUGH
12 DINNERS
by Steve Ross
Directed by Randy Read
Don’t miss this acclaimed semi-autobiographical play about 12 dinners Steve shares with his parents during an eventful time in their lives.
Directed by founding Artistic Director Randy Read, 12 Dinners is a beautiful script that showcases Steve Ross’ meteoric emergence as an exciting Canadian playwright.
Previously produced at Stratford’s Here for Now Festival, 12 Dinners was also part of Talk is Free Theatre’s upcoming season in Barrie. Not to be missed!
Recommended audience: 12+
Sun. March 1, 2026
Showtime: 7:00 pm
MARKET HALL, PETERBOROUGH
PRESENTED BY:
THE THEATRE ON KING
FESTIVAL LINEUP
A wonderfully eclectic mix of experimental and traditional works for the stage — most are getting their first public reading at the Festival.
Tickets are very limited. One night only. Show descriptions and cast to be announced.
2025/26 Leading Sponsors
2025/26 Season Sponsors and Funding Partners
Government Partners
Show Sponsors & Partners
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Donate today. Help bring high-quality professional theatre to Peterborough? Your gift makes it happen!
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