10 places to see live theatre in and near the Kawarthas
Attending a live theatre production in the Kawartha Lakes is more than just entertainment—it’s nourishing to the senses and the soul. Whether it’s a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a toe-tapping musical, the energy of the performers, the atmosphere of the theatre, and the collective engagement of the audience create a powerful experience.
Fortunately there are live theatre venues located throughout the Kawartha Lakes and just beyond. To help you find a production that’s taking place near you, we’ve put together this roundup of live theatre destinations, plus included a suggestion of where to go for dinner before the show.
Live theatre in Lindsay, Ontario
1. Academy Theatre
The Academy Theatre has been in mainstay in Lindsay, Ontario since 1892. This classic theatre was beautifully restored in 1963. It’s regal exterior and interior add a sense of occasion no matter what type of performance you’re attending.
Setting: Indoors
Seating Capacity: 542.
Productions: Plays and concerts.
Season: Productions run year round.
Subscription Perks: Save up to 25% on admission.
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Dining Suggestion: Satisfy multiple cravings at once at Masala Kraft Lindsay where they prepare and serve authentic Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Thai cuisines dishes. Go for a classic like Tandoori Chicken or Butter Chicken or be adventurous and try dishes such as Paneer Tikka or a Prawn or Goat Currie.
2. Lindsay Little Theatre
Established in the early 1960s, the Lindsay Little Theatre is a true community theatre where local talent takes centre stage and play submissions by local writers are encouraged.
Setting: Indoors.
Seating Capacity: 100.
Productions: Comedies, dramas and classic plays.
Season: Productions run year round.
Subscription Perks: No.
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Dining Suggestion: Before attending the show enjoy a meal of Greek food at the Olympia Restaurant. All your Mediterranean favourites are here including: roasted garlic hummus dip, calamari, souvlaki, Greek salads and more.
Venues in or near Bobcaygeon, Ontario
3. Globus Theatre at the Lakeview Arts Barn
The Globus Theatre has been in operation for over 18 years. Each season they stage an eclectic mix of both classic favourites and original works in the Lakeview Arts Barn, a converted cattle barn.
Setting: Indoors.
Seating Capacity: 150.
Productions: Comedies, dramas, and musical performances.
Season: Productions from June through December.
Subscription Perks: Save up to 30% on admission.
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Dining Suggestion: For an additional fee, prior to all 6:00 pm showtimes you can enjoy a 3-course, seasonal meal on site at the Lakeview Arts Barn. Reservations must be made ahead of time.
Live theatre in Fenelon Falls, Ontario
4. The Grove Theatre
If you enjoy watching theatre under the stars The Grove Theatre is the venue for you. Nestled among the trees the outdoor setting is enchanting and adds a magical a touch to the experience.
Setting: Outdoor amphitheatre.
Seating Capacity: 450.
Productions: Musicals and concerts.
Season: Productions from July through August.
Subscription Perks: Early access to ticket sales.
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Dining Suggestion: The Cow and Sow Eatery in Fenelon Falls. Apps; salads; and hearty pub favourites such as fish and chips, ribs; wings; nachos and quesadillas. For dessert…how about sharing one of their decadent mud pail brownies!
See a production in Bancroft, Ontario
5. Bancroft Village Playhouse
Another venue steeped in history. This building was constructed in 1921 and over the years has served as a community hall, jail, courthouse and library. In the 1990s it became the local destination for the arts.
Setting: Indoors.
Seating Capacity: 184.
Productions: Plays, musicals and concerts.
Season: Productions from spring to early winter.
Subscription Perks: Save up to 15% on admission.
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Dining Suggestion: The Bancroft Brew Pub is kitty corner to the Playhouse. Relax on the patio with one of their brewed-in-house craft beers and pair it with a Rusty Husky gourmet burger or their butternut squash ravioli.
Live theatre in Buckhorn, Ontario
6. Buckhorn Community Centre
The Buckhorn Community Centre is buzzing with events and activities all year round. Twice a year–in the spring and in the fall–they put on dinner theatre productions for six nights each. The productions are typically light-hearted comedies and tickets sell out fast.
Setting: Indoors.
Seating Capacity: 120.
Productions: Plays.
Season: Productions in the spring and fall.
Subscription Perks: No.
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Dining Suggestion: A three-course dinner is part of your ticket to a theatre production at the Buckhorn Community Centre. The meal typically includes appetizers, a roast beef entree and dessert.
3 places for live theatre in Peterborough, Ontario
7. Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
The Market Hall opened in 1890 and served as an indoor and outdoor marketplace till 1950. In 1984 the space was converted into a entertainment destination. Each year it hosts a variety of performances, providing the people of Peterborough and the surrounding area with a cornucopia of experiences to enjoy.
Setting: Indoors.
Seating Capacity: 350.
Productions: Plays, dance, concerts and comedy.
Season: Productions throughout the year.
Subscription Perks: Various discounts on admission.
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Dining Suggestion: Begin your night out by treating your palate to a fine dining experience at Amandala’s Restaurant. Start with share plate of prosciutto wrapped brie, followed by an artisanal soup, and for your main savour an authentic Spanish Paella Mixtaa.
8. Showplace Performance Centre
The Showplace Performance Centre opened in 1996 and is located in a repurposed movie theatre that dates back to 1946. With its 650 seats, this is the largest theatre in Peterborough and hosts both local and touring productions.
Setting: Indoors.
Seating Capacity: 650.
Productions: Plays, musicals, concerts, and comedy.
Season: Productions throughout the year.
Subscription Perks: Various discounts on admission.
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Dining Suggestion: The Ashburnham Ale House is a gastropub just a short drive from the theatre. We suggest a cocktail, glass of wine or a craft beer paired with charred corn bruschetta to start, and then their penne with grilled lamb for your main.
9. Peterborough Theatre Guild (Guildhall)
The Peterborough Theatre Guild, in operation for over 50 years, stages it productions at Guildhall, the former St. Luke’s Anglican church. A community theatre group, it prides itself on providing local talent with the opportunity to perform both on and off the stage.
Setting: Indoors.
Seating Capacity: 640.
Productions: Popular plays and musicals.
Season: Productions run from September to May.
Subscription Perks: Various discounts on admission.
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Dining Suggestion: Enjoy at meal at the Railyard Café and Tap House where they’re known for creative takes on comfort foods. Order a craft beer or glass of wine and indulge your taste buds with a kettle chips and caramelized onion dip as your app and smoked pulled pork tacos for your entree.
Live theatre in Millbrook
10. 4th Line Theatre
Established in 1992, what makes the 4th Line Theatre unique is that it stages original plays that incorporate the rural history and heritage of the area. Each production takes place entirely outside on the grounds of Winslow Farm making for a truly unique, summertime theatre outing.
Setting: Outdoors on a farm.
Seating Capacity: 400.
Productions: Original Canadian plays.
Season: Two major productions per year in July and August.
Subscription Perks: 15% discount on admission.
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Dining Suggestion: Three days before your show pre-order a bountiful Charcuterie snack box which includes meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and more and enjoy a picnic on the farm.
Always know what’s playing: join each theatres’ email list
The Kawartha Lakes is rich with opportunities to experience live theatre. From intimate community productions to professional shows, there’s something for every theatre enthusiast to enjoy. Subscribe to each theatres’ email list so you’ll know ahead of time what’s hitting the stage near you.
Looking for a new way to stay active year round?
Read “Pickelball in the Kawartha Lakes: a beginners guide.”
Photo Credit: Kyle Head
