Every theatre has its story. Few have lived as many lives as the Royal George.

In this special documentary episode, we celebrate the life of a building that became the beating heart of the Shaw Festival. From its beginnings as a vaudeville house in 1915 to its transformation into one of Canada’s most beloved theatres, the George has witnessed a lifetime of stories.

As it prepares for its next chapter, we celebrate not just the building, but the people who made it come alive.

Written by Cosette Derome
Additional contributions from Melissa Novecosky, Neil Barclay, Tim Carroll and Kelly Wong
Narrated by Neil Barclay
Produced, edited and sound designed by Kelly Wong

Archival recordings courtesy of the Shaw Festival Oral History, Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library

Music from Epidemic Sound

Tickets to all of our shows are available now at shawfest.com.

Hosted by Alexis Milligan
Produced by Kelly Wong
Original Music by Travis Seetoo

We want to hear from you! Drop us a line at podcast@shawfest.com

How do you keep a holiday classic feeling brand new? Director Kate Hennig and choreographer Allison Plamondon join us to talk about reimagining Irving Berlin's White Christmas for today’s audiences, while honouring the timeless music, movement, and nostalgia that define it.

They share what collaboration looks like behind the scenes, how storytelling through dance brings emotional truth to familiar songs, and what it means to return to a production with a deeper sense of joy and purpose.

Kate Hennig is a celebrated Canadian actor, playwright, and director whose career spans Broadway, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and major theatres across the country. Some highlights at the Shaw Festival include playing Rose in Gypsy, directing Irving Berlin's White Christmas and writing Cyrano de Bergerac.

Allison Plamondon is a choreographer, director, performer, and teacher whose work has appeared across Canada and the U.S. Choreography credits include: Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Shaw Festival, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at YPT, and the acclaimed off-Broadway production Goblin Market.

Tickets to all of our shows are available now at shawfest.com.

Hosted by Alexis Milligan
Produced by Kelly Wong
Original Music by Travis Seetoo

We want to hear from you! Drop us a line at podcast@shawfest.com

How do you bring yourself to an iconic role? In this episode, actors Michael Therriault and Graeme Somerville reflect on A Christmas Carol, one of the Shaw Festival’s most beloved traditions.

They talk about what it means to step into Scrooge’s shoes, the rhythms of a show that blends puppetry, song, and transformation, and the balance between ritual and reinvention. Along the way, they share backstage stories, onstage discoveries, and why this classic tale still stirs something new every year.

Michael Therriault is in his fourth season at the Shaw Festival, where he has appeared in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Rope, Brigadoon, and Grand Hotel. His theatre work includes Lord of the Rings (West End), The Producers (Mirvish), and Fiddler on the Roof (Broadway), and his film and television credits include Fellow Travellers, Locke & Key, and Murdoch Mysteries.

Graeme Somerville brings over two decades of Shaw Festival experience, with standout performances in Saint Joan, The Devil’s Disciple, and Henry V. His work has been recognized with a Dora Award, and he has appeared on stages across the country including Canadian Stage and the National Arts Centre. He is also a mentor and educator at the National Theatre School.

Tickets to all of our shows are available now at shawfest.com.

Hosted by Alexis Milligan
Produced by Kelly Wong
Original Music by Travis Seetoo

We want to hear from you! Drop us a line at podcast@shawfest.com