FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thorold Theatre Leans Into Laughter with Canadian Farce The Kitchen Witches
Spring 2026 production answers audience demand for comedy with a star-driven, Niagara-flavoured hit
Thorold, ON — After audiences made one thing clear — they want to laugh — Thorold Theatre is leaning hard into comedy with its Spring 2026 production of The Kitchen Witches, a fast, furious Canadian farce by Caroline Smith. Directed by Cheyenne McIntyre, the show opens April 17, 2026, at Club Belvedere in Thorold.
A sharp satire of cable-access cooking shows and community television, The Kitchen Witches is a full-throttle comedy showcase built around two powerhouse female roles — a rare star vehicle for women over 40 on a community stage. The result is a high-energy, laugh-out-loud evening that blends physical comedy, verbal sparring, and distinctly Canadian humour.
“Our audiences told us they were craving big laughs and escapism,” says Dan Willis, President and Producer of Thorold Theatre.
“The Kitchen Witches is our answer — it’s unapologetically funny, proudly Canadian, and built to let two extraordinary women take the stage and run with it.”
Set in a Niagara-style cable-access TV studio, the play follows rival cooking show hosts Isobel Lomax and Dolly Biddle, whose mutual hatred stretches back thirty years and one ill-fated love triangle. When circumstances force them to co-host a local cooking program, insults fly faster than the recipes — and the on-air chaos turns their show into an unlikely ratings smash. Caught in the middle is Dolly’s long-suffering producer son, desperately trying to keep the broadcast from imploding.
Director Cheyenne McIntyre says the play’s appeal lies in its precision comedy and its deep affection for community television culture.
“This play is a love letter to local TV — the kind with visible wires, big personalities, and absolutely no filter,” she says.
“It’s fast, fearless comedy, and it gives two women the space to be hilarious, messy, and commanding.”
The production arrives with early buzz, including strong advance interest ahead of ticket sales and over 50 community volunteers already signed on to help bring the show to life — a testament to Thorold Theatre’s deep roots in the Niagara arts community.
The Kitchen Witches has been produced across Canada and won the Samuel French Best Canadian Play Award, praised for its sharp dialogue and relentless pace. Thorold Theatre’s staging returns the company to its well-loved farcical roots while celebrating Canadian writing and local culture.
Performance Details
Club Belvedere, Thorold
- Friday, April 17, 2026 (Opening Night)
- Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Sunday, April 19, 2026 (Matinee)
- Friday, April 24, 2026
- Saturday, April 25, 2026
Doors open at 6:00 PM | Curtain at 7:00 PM
Tickets: $28.50
Optional Opening Night meet-and-greet buffet available for a $10 donation
🎟 Tickets on sale February 9 at 12:00 PM
thoroldtheatre.ca/buy-tickets
Media Notes
- Limited complimentary media passes available
- Additional ticket allotments available for contests and fundraising partnerships
About Thorold Theatre
Thorold Theatre is a community-driven theatre company dedicated to producing engaging, accessible live theatre for audiences across the Niagara region. With a 40-year tradition of collaboration, storytelling, and volunteer involvement, Thorold Theatre continues to bring bold, entertaining work to local stages.
Media Contact:
Daniel Willis, Producer
📧 president@thoroldtheatre.ca
📞 905-341-7368
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