Playhouse 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

‘Tis the season to find the perfect gift for your loved ones, and the Playhouse has just the thing! Maybe you’ve been giving tickets to Playhouse shows for years or maybe you’ve never thought to; either way, this year’s lineup has something for everyone.

Gift the gift of live performance and spend some quality time together this year with one of these shows:

For the Movers in your life:

A group of actors from the UPU Collective standing against a dark background, all looking to the left of the camera, arms raised protectively

UPU, A Journey through the Heartbeat of Pacific Poetry, March 5

Prepare to be transported across the islands of the South Pacific in this performance interpreting the words of 23 different poets. Explore themes of Indigenous culture and experience new perspectives and stories. This performance is Pay What You Will.

A multicoloured, frame-by-frame image showing an acrobat doing a backflip

Gravity & Other Myths Ten Thousand Hours, April 17

Ten Thousand Hours reveals the hard work behind the gravity-defying stunts, celebrating the power and potential of the human body. Eight world-class acrobats explore the skill, practice, and transformation behind their craft in this high-flying show for the whole family.

A group of dancers from Ballet Kelowna: one in the centre is standing and looking up at the ceiling, the others are bent over with their backs to the camera, arms outstretched

Ballet Kelowna taqəš and Other Works, May 25

Ballet Kelowna, known for its innovative performances in contemporary ballet, presents a stunning lineup from their repertoire with taqəš and Other Works, featuring the music of Jeremy Dutcher and others.

For the Comedy Fans in your life:

Rhys Nicholson sitting at a yellow table surface against a darker yellow background. They are wearing a light teal blue jacket and a white shirt, looking at the camera with their head turned slightly sideways

Rhys Nicholson Huge Big Party Congratulations, January 17

In the year of our Lord 2026, it’s a brand-new stand-up comedy concert from your ol’ pal Rhys Nicholson. From RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under to The Imperfects, to their critically acclaimed Netflix specials, Rhys always showcases their razor-sharp, darkly witty, and unapologetically queer humour.

Performer Johnnie McNamara Walker against a dark background, wearing a red collared shirt holding his hand to his face, looking shocked

The Heterosexuals By Johnnie McNamara Walker, February 8

A comedic deep dive into the mysterious world of heterosexuality, from charismatic comedian Johnnie McNamara Walker! Heterosexuals…THEY WALK AMONG US! But where did they come from? And what do they think they’re wearing? Find out in this explosive solo show based on undercover “research” gathered while posing as one of their own! This performance is Pay What You Will.

Text against a yellow background that reads, A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy. The photo in the centre is a composite of three sections of different faces combined to make one image of a face

A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy, March 6

Step out of the house for an unforgettable evening with Peter Oldring and Pat Kelly (CBC Radio’s This is That), and Carolyn Taylor (Baroness von Sketch Show). Witness Canadiana in the making as these national comedians reunite for an exceedingly reasonable evening of sketch, improv, music, and monologues!

For the Theatre Fans in your life:

A person in a black tshirt bent over about to smash an electric guitar on the ground

BOOM X, February 13

BOOM X is a mind-blowing, one-man show, covering the music, politics, and culture of Generation X in an explosive and engaging multimedia performance, the sequel to Miller’s hit show BOOM. Through 100 different characters, this fusion of theatre, jukebox musical, and autobiography takes audiences on a fast-paced journey – from the rise of punk rock to the tensions of the Cold War. Rock on!

A close up of Tymisha Harris wearing a royal blue strapless top with a fascinator on her head. She's sitting on a regal looking cream couch with wooden details, looking straight on to the camera with no smile

Tymisha Harris in: A Cabaret of Legends, March 14

Legendary songs from the collections of legendary artists, and the stories behind them, starring International award-winning vocalist and performer Tymisha Harris (Josephine, Josie & Grace). Featuring songs from legends like Ella, Billie, Nina, Tina, Whitney, and Beyonce.

For the Music Fans in your life:

A close up of Nomfusi in a light blue tassled outfit, pictured from the chest up. She is looking right at the camera with her mouth open in a big, energetic smile

Nomfusi, February 20

Nomfusi is known for her vibrant mix of Afro-soul, jazz, and pop. The soul of Mama Afrika meets the fire of Motown and Soul - in a pint-sized packet of dynamite. Drawing from her South African roots, Nomfusi’s blend of rich melodies and heartfelt lyrics make for a concert experience that leaves a lasting impression. This performance is Pay What You Will.

Eight members of Dwayne Gretzky on stage in low lighting

Dwayne Gretzky, March 26

Dwayne Gretzky are Canada’s greatest party band and a can’t miss live music experience; a 10-piece, dynamic, curated nostalgia trip that captures the unique joy of turning a radio dial and being surprised by the familiar. Celebrating classic pop and rock from Queen to the Cranberries, Dwayne Gretzky delivers electrifying renditions of over 800 songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s.

A close up of the five members of Wintersleep standing together looking right at the camera

Wintersleep, May 11

Hailing from Halifax, Wintersleep have built a reputation as one of Canada’s most beloved indie rock bands. Their live shows are known for their intimate, yet cinematic atmosphere. For catchy Canadian tunes and poetic lyricism, look no further.