You’re invited to an Irish wake – with a twist or three.
Laughter Zone 101 is bringing a new interactive comedy to the stage at Lafflines this weekend.
Aunt Biddy’s Wake takes to the stage on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13.
The interactive play – in the style of Tony ’n’ Tina’s Wedding – invites the audience along for the ride as Aunt Biddy’s many secrets are revealed by her family and friends.
“Traditionally, an Irish wake takes place in the house of the deceased with the body present,” a press release notes. “However, Aunt Biddy loved to laugh and party, so what better place to stage her wake than at the Columbia Theatre, home of the Lafflines Comedy Club!”
Among the folks audience members can expect to meet are Biddy’s “bitchy” sister Patricia, played by Vancouver actor Joan Koebel, and her boarder Lina – played by Dublin actor Anna Clifford.
Other cast highlights include a hippie from Nelson and a former “dancer friend,” played by New West’s own Margo Prentice.
“Throughout the show, there is lots of Irish singing and dancing, and the action gets a lot more interesting as the pocheen (Irish moonshine) begins to flow freely,” the release promises.
The cast also includes Mike Whittaker, Vanessa Woznow, Leigh Green, Richard Hamlin and Adam Tatelman, and the production is directed by Janice Bannister.
This is Bannister’s second interactive play.
“Last year I stage Aunt Martha’s FUNeral at Shiloh United Church in New West. The 100-year-old church was a great venue, and the show sold out two shows,” she says in the release. “The ‘reception’ had fancy teacups and biscuits. But there were lots of request for a less ‘churchy’ celebration, so Aunt Biddy’s Wake will offer drinks and Irish chicken wings for a fun night of celebration.”
Food and bar service will be available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. each night, with the show at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 in advance if bought online, or $25 at the door. Call 604-545-2262 or see www.thecolumbia.ca to buy.
