PSFT Presents ‘The Kitchen Witches’ by Peri Hayes Liz Gilroy, Artistic Director of Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT) and Director of Caroline Smith’s The Kitchen Witches , details her interpretation of this work: “I have always thought this script was so, very funny and that with the right cast, the actors do most of the job for you. Other than some creative blocking with the ‘live cooking’ and trying to foolproof the audience participation section, it is pretty straightforward. We’ve made sure to add some local references — which Caroline allows the Director to do — that the audience is bound to enjoy. I’ve also been working on choosing the music, which sets the tone and helps put us in the right frame of mind for watching the show -- an integral part of any production.” Playwright, Caroline Smith, introduces, “Isobel Lomax and Dolly Biddle are two ‘mature’ cable-access cooking show hostesses who have hated each other for 30 years, ever since Stephen Biddle dated one and married the other. When circumstances put them together on a TV show called The Kitchen Witches , the insults are flung harder than the food!” The message of this story surrounds relationships, grudges and forgiveness. “And food -- lots and lots of food,” Caroline proceeds. “Being careful not to confuse the sugar and the salt, and always washing your hands.” This play features a cast of three, along with their ‘camera person’. Liz highlights, “Working with a small cast gives us time for discovery on an intimate level; to develop relationships with each cast member.” Asked what excites Liz about presenting this production at PSFT, she responds, “I can’t wait for our audiences to see this show. It really is funny, and I think it will be an unforgettable couple of hours in the theatre. I am also super excited to have Monique Lund and Christina Gordon on stage
together; two incredibly talented women who will play off of each other beautifully. Our audience becomes the live audience for the cooking show. It is pretty spicy to have the audience be an integral part of the show, and it always creates an ‘Anything can happen!’ element.” “ The Kitchen Witches was inspired by and written for Diane Fabian and Barbara Wheeldon, two delightful comediennes who also happened to be close friends,” Caroline describes to be the inspiration for this narrative. “It premiered at the Stirling Festival Theatre in June, 2003 and was submitted to publisher Samuel French shortly after winning the Best Canadian Play Award. It has been in production in Canada and the U.S. ever since, also enjoying productions as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Turkey and the Czech Republic. Everyone enjoys watching chaos in the kitchen!” Regarding the upcoming Port Stanley performances, Caroline enthuses, “It’s terrific to know that my little play is in the hands of such lovely people, especially the amazingly talented Liz Gilroy. I am quite sure Liz and her team will make the laughter rise to perfection, just like a fine souffle!” As Liz concludes, “If you are looking for two unforgettable hours of laugh-out-loud entertainment, you do not want to miss The Kitchen Witches -- it’s a ‘taste’ you can’t forget.” The Kitchen Witches is presented by arrange- ment with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc: concordtheatricals.com. Offered in the lakeside village from August 6th until August 23rd, tickets are available through the psft.ca website or by phoning their box office at 519-782-4353.
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The Elgin County Studio Tour is a self-directed tour of artists’ studios , providing a unique opportunity to meet the artists in their workspaces.
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Page 6 Port Stanley Villager • July-August 2025
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