The Canadian premiere of a musical comedy show originally written and performed by a popular British comedy duo will be the first of 10 mainstage shows during the 22nd season of Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon — and it will feature a community choir of local residents.
Desperate to be Doris, which runs from May 29 to June 7 at the Lakeview Arts Barn, is a celebration of Doris Day written and performed by Sue Ryding and Maggie Fox of LipService Theatre. It premiered at the York Theatre Royal in the U.K. in 2010.
Over nearly 40 years, Ryding and Fox wrote and performed more than 22 original comedy shows from a distinctly female perspective, touring them throughout Britain as well as in Europe and the U.S. Also known for her roles in Coronation Street, Shameless, and The Forsyte Saga, Fox died at the age of 65 in 2022 after a tragic car accident.
Desperate to be Doris follows Dean, who works in the office of a nightwear retailer called The Pyjama Game and harbours a secret love for singing the songs of Doris Day. A new manager arrives on the scene, not only with her own ideas for remaking the business, but also for directing a local amateur theatre society’s production of the musical western Calamity Jane, based on the 1953 musical Western film of the same name that starred Doris Day. Will Dean dare to share his Calamity Jane with an unsuspecting world?
Featuring some of Doris Day’s greatest hits including “Secret Love,” “Que Sera, Sera,” “Steam Heat, “The Deadwood Stage,” and “Enjoy Yourself,” Ryding and Fox’s original tours of the show integrated local choirs from the communities where it was staged — something that Globus Theatre will replicate for its production.
“I was thrilled to discover this very funny play that allows Globus to introduce a community collaboration and offer an opportunity for local performers to socialize and sing together,” says Globus artistic director Sarah Quick in a media release. “I include it as our opening show as a thank you to all of those that have supported us over the past few years.”
Quick in encouraging singers of all ages and experience to sign up for the community choir. Participants will need to learn some simple choreography and wear costumes.
“My hope is for this choir to be intergenerational — having seniors and children and everyone in between — singing alongside each other,” Quick adds. “Everyone can bond through the uplifting music of Doris Day.”
Rehearsals will take place once a week through March and April, and then twice a week in May. To sign up, visit www.globustheatre.com/community-choir-interest-form or call 705-738-2037.
Another Canadian premiere, The Comeback by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen, runs from July 30 to August 7.
The critically acclaimed comedy, which debuted at the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End in 2021, tells the story of two up-and-coming comics who have been booked in the warm-up spot for a beloved but fading double act’s comeback tour.
When it’s revealed that a Hollywood director is in the audience, both acts glimpse a final chance for their big break, and sabotage, mistaken identity, and farcical mayhem ensue as each act battle for the limelight.
Globus Theatre is also bringing back a perennial favourite for local audiences, with Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine running from August 13 to 23.
“We don’t often repeat shows at Globus, but the beauty of an extended season means that out of 10 plays, we get to remount one classic,” says Globus artistic director James Barrett.
“Our production of Shirley Valentine starring Sarah Quick is a play that people talk about often. It is funny, perpetually relevant, and Sarah is a fantastic Shirley. Wi so many people asking us to do it again and so many new audience members that are yet to experience its joy, it would have been remiss of us not to include it this year.”
In addition to the 10 mainstage shows shown below, Globus Theatre’s Youth Winter Arts performance takes place on May 9, the annual spring fundraiser takes place on May 10, and the annual Girls Night Out all-female stand-up and improv comedy show returns on June 13.
Tickets for each show are $50 for the show only, or $100 for dinner and the show (plus tax and fee). Subscription packages are now available, and single tickets will go on sale starting March 17. For more information or to purchase subscriptions or individual ticketts, visit www.globustheatre.com or call the Globus Theatre box office at 705-738-2037.
Mainstage shows at Globus Theatre
Desperate to be Doris by Sue Ryding and Maggie Fox (Canadian premiere)
May 29 to June 7
A feelgood comedy featuring songs from Doris Day.
Come Down from Up River by Norm Foster
June 25 to July 5
A heartfelt comedy of family and belonging from Canada’s favourite playwright.
Hookup by Paul Bates
July 10 to 13
A high-energy improvised play that lets you experience the rollercoaster of modern romance.
Murder at the Blue Moon Saloon (Murder Mystery)
July 16 to July 26
A Western-style, drink-slinging, boot-scootin’ murder mystery experience.
The Comeback by Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen (Canadian premiere)
July 30 to August 7
Sabotage, mistaken identity and full-on mayhem ensue in this play about nostalgia, friendship, and a desperate quest for the limelight.
Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell
August 13 to August 23
Sarah Quick stars in Willy Russell’s hilarious and uplifting classic about one woman’s life-changing adventure.
The Beaver Club by Barb Sheffler
September 24 to October 4
A riotous cross country road trip that is a love letter to Canada.
Johnny & June by Chris McHarge and Colin Stewart (Concert)
October 23 to October 25
A hand-clapping, foot-stomping tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter.
The Little Balls Falls Christmas Fete(ality)! (Murder Mystery)
November 13 to November 22
Little Balls Falls’ Christmas Fete is doomed in this festive murder mystery dinner experience.
Jack and the Beanstalk by Sarah Quick (Traditional British Panto)
December 3 to December 17
Full of laughter, songs, and audience participation. A comic retelling of the classic tale that is fun for adults and children alike.
