From the Director
Do you believe in ghosts?
The play you are about to see had very modest beginnings. In 1987, needing to use unspent grant money, the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Yorkshire staged a short-run Christmas show in the theatre’s pub. There was little money for sets, costumes, or actors. It was to run for only three weeks. The show proved very popular, however, and was moved into the theatre proper. A year later it had transferred to London’s West End, where it ran continuously for 33 years, (excepting COVID closures). In March of 2023 The Woman in Black closed for good, being the second longest-running play in London history (second only to The Mousetrap).
The source material, a popular 1983 gothic horror novel by Susan Hill, has been adapted several times. This version of the story has a unique structure, operating on several levels at once. It has been a great deal of (creepy) fun to explore this play within a play within a haunting with such a dedicated and talented group of people. I have enjoyed every single minute.
I hope you enjoy meeting The Woman in Black as much as I did.
Laurel
Meet the Cast & Crew
Sam Donovan (The Actor)
Sam Donovan (The Actor)
Sam Donovan (The Actor)
Sam makes his Firehall debut with The Woman In Black. Earlier this year, Sam appeared for the first time with Garden City Productions as part of the Ensemble of RENT. Sam studied Drama and History at Brock University, where he also took part in the 2019 mainstage production KING UBU. In his spare time, Sam keeps his creativity honed with
Sam makes his Firehall debut with The Woman In Black. Earlier this year, Sam appeared for the first time with Garden City Productions as part of the Ensemble of RENT. Sam studied Drama and History at Brock University, where he also took part in the 2019 mainstage production KING UBU. In his spare time, Sam keeps his creativity honed with weekly Dungeons & Dragons games with friends he met during his time at Brock. Sam looks forward to making himself known in the Niagara Theatre scene, with a hope of taking part in many more shows in the future.
Paul Wintemute (Kipps)
Sam Donovan (The Actor)
Sam Donovan (The Actor)
Paul returns to the Firehall stage following his recent performances last season as Inspector Closely in The Last Resort and as Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace. Paul sees each play is an opportunity to learn and grow. Among past roles, favourites include Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Charles in Pippin, and Fagin in Oliver! As always,
Paul returns to the Firehall stage following his recent performances last season as Inspector Closely in The Last Resort and as Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace. Paul sees each play is an opportunity to learn and grow. Among past roles, favourites include Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Charles in Pippin, and Fagin in Oliver! As always, Paul extends a big thanks to Kate, his number one supporter.
Alix Sobschak (Production Designer)
Alix Sobschak (Production Designer)
Alix Sobschak (Production Designer)
The Woman in Black marks Alix’s first production with Firehall Theatre as well as their first show as Production Designer. For almost two decades, Alix has had a passion for not just live theatre, but horror and all things terrifying and macabre. When the opportunity to design a show incorporating both presented itself, Alix jumped at the
The Woman in Black marks Alix’s first production with Firehall Theatre as well as their first show as Production Designer. For almost two decades, Alix has had a passion for not just live theatre, but horror and all things terrifying and macabre. When the opportunity to design a show incorporating both presented itself, Alix jumped at the chance to design it. Select credits include: Assistant Set and Costume Designer for Roberto Zucco at Buddies in Bad Times; Assistant Set Designer for Candida and Assistant Set and Costume Designer for Gypsy and Prince Caspian at the Shaw Festival.
Laurel Candler (Director)
Alix Sobschak (Production Designer)
Alix Sobschak (Production Designer)
Laurel is happy to be back at her favourite local stage, directing a third show in the Firehall. (Previous direction was for Death and the Maiden and Oleanna, as well as music direction for last season’s The Last Resort.) She has performed in dozens of local community theatre productions, including for Firehall Theatre, Garden City Produ
Laurel is happy to be back at her favourite local stage, directing a third show in the Firehall. (Previous direction was for Death and the Maiden and Oleanna, as well as music direction for last season’s The Last Resort.) She has performed in dozens of local community theatre productions, including for Firehall Theatre, Garden City Productions, and the Port Mansion Theatre, as well as many fondly remembered summer productions of Shakespeare in the Vineyard at Henry of Pelham Winery. Favourite credits include Martha (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf), Mama Rose (Gypsy), and Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing).
Coming Soon to the Firehall Stage...
February 21, 2025 - March 9, 2025
February 21, 2025 - March 9, 2025
February 21, 2025 - March 9, 2025
When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favourite cast album, the characters -- including a pair of young lovers, a desperate Broadway producer, a pair of undercover gangsters, and an intoxicated chaperone -- come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning "Perfect Broadway musical" (New York Magazine)
May 2, 2025 - May 18, 2025
February 21, 2025 - March 9, 2025
February 21, 2025 - March 9, 2025
Single and in their 50s, are Candace and Oliver prepared to re-enter the dating scene at their ages? For that matter, are their adult children prepared for it? One step at a time. After all, it's just a dinner.
Firehall Theatre is pleased to present this Niagara-born play in its world premiere.
The Drowsy Chaperone Auditions
Get involved in our upcoming musical...
Auditions run November 15 - 17