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Shaw Festival 2026: A Season of Timeless Stories & Theatrical Magic

Shaw Festival 2026: A Season of Timeless Stories & Theatrical Magic

Posted at h in Ontario Live Theatre Productions, Theatre Festival, What's on Where: Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake by

April 24 – December 23, 2026
Festival Theatre, Court House Theatre and Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre, NOTL

The 2026 Shaw Festival returns to Niagara-on-the-Lake with an ambitious season running from April 24 to December 23, 2026, filling the Festival Theatre, Court House Theatre, and Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre with world-class performances. Celebrated for its bold storytelling and exceptional artistry, the Shaw Festival continues to honour the works of George Bernard Shaw while embracing a wider repertoire of classic and contemporary plays, musicals, and new works that challenge, delight, and inspire audiences.

From sweeping classics and inventive revivals to thought-provoking dramas and family-friendly favourites, the 2026 season offers something for every theatre lover. With its picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake setting and a reputation for excellence, the Shaw Festival remains one of Canada’s premier cultural experiences, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in powerful performances, vibrant creativity, and unforgettable live theatre throughout spring, summer, fall, and into the holiday season. For tickets and full programming details, visit shawfest.com.

Select Theatre and View Productions


FESTIVAL THEATRE

April 24, 2026 – October 3, 2026
Funny Girl
Directed by Eda Holmes
Music direction by Paul Sportelli

Fanny Brice has everything it takes to be Broadway’s next big thing: the voice, the charm, and more than a little chutzpah. But does she have “the look?” This touching comedy explores her unlikely rise to stardom with the Ziegfeld Follies, where her talent and wit captivate audiences. Alongside her professional triumphs, Fanny navigates a passionate and turbulent love affair with gambler Nick Arnstein, adding heart and drama to her journey. Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, Funny Girl includes unforgettable classics such as “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” “People,” and many more.

May 27, 2026 – October 11, 2026
One for the Pot By Ray Cooney and Tony Hilton
Directed by Chris Abraham

Billy Hickory Wood is about to inherit a tidy fortune. A wealthy businessman has decided to leave £10,000 to the family of his late partner, and Billy is thought to be the sole living relative. Or is he? Enter a host of previously unknown, identical Hickory Wood siblings—all played by the same actor—each determined to claim their share. Chaos, confusion, and comedy quickly follow. The brilliantly crafted farce promises laughs, surprises, and pure theatrical mayhem. The team behind One Man, Two Guvnors (2024) reunites to bring this legendary, fast-paced comedy to life.

July 8, 2026 – October 4, 2026
Amadeus By Peter Shaffer
Directed by Tim Carroll

Antonio Salieri is a pious, conscientious man—and the greatest composer in the Austrian Empire. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, by contrast, is a young, foolish show-off, seemingly no threat. Yet Salieri hears what no one else can: this ridiculous boy may be the greatest musical genius the world has ever known. How could God play such a cruel trick—rewarding devotion while exposing his own mediocrity? There is only one possible course: God’s beloved, Mozart, must be destroyed. This gripping tale of genius, envy, and obsession remains one of the most ravishing experiences in theatrical history.

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COURT HOUSE THEATRE

April 2, 2026 – October 9, 2026
Sleuth By Anthony Shaffer
Directed by Peter Fernandes

Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer follows a celebrated mystery writer who invites his wife’s lover to their secluded home in the English countryside—but nothing is as it seems. What begins as a seemingly polite visit quickly turns into a fiendishly clever game of psychology, manipulation, and deception. Who is truly in control, and is it really just a game? This Tony and Edgar Award-winning play is a masterful crime thriller, packed with suspense, unexpected twists, and razor-sharp wit. An edge-of-your-seat experience, perfect for fans of whodunits. Mature content.

May 8, 2026 – October 10, 2026
Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense By Robert Goodale and David Goodale
Directed by Brendan McMurtry-Howlett

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense by Robert Goodale and David Goodale follows Bertie Wooster, a young aristocrat perpetually landing in frightful scrapes. Luckily, his unflappable butler, Jeeves, is always on hand to save the day—usually without Bertie even realising. Based on P.G. Wodehouse’s 1938 novel, this Olivier Award-winning play features three extraordinary actors who bring a host of characters to life with dazzling skill. Bursting with wit, charm, and theatrical ingenuity, it’s a joyous celebration of comedy, timing, and sheer silliness—perfect for anyone who loves laughter, clever storytelling, and unforgettable performances.

August 1, 2026 – September 5, 2026
A New Work in Progress
Created and directed byBranden Jacobs-Jenkins

A special workshop presentation of a new play, created and directed by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, offers audiences a first look at an exciting world premiere in development. We are thrilled to present this new work from the 2025 Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright, following our acclaimed productions of An Octoroon (2017) and Everybody (2022). Developed with our Shaw Ensemble, this workshop presentation offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of the world’s leading playwrights. With a limited run of performances, this is a unique opportunity to see the play before anyone else.


JACKIE MAXWELL STUDIO THEATRE

May 22, 2026 – September 27, 2026
The Wind in the Willows
Based on the play Toad of Toad Hall by A.A. Milne
Adapted and directed by Fiona Sauder

The Wind in the Willows, based on A.A. Milne’s play Toad of Toad Hall, follows the adventures of young, impressionable Mole as he discovers the riverbank and meets the clever Rat, the grumpy Badger, and the irrepressible Mr. Toad. When Toad’s obsession with fast cars lands him in serious trouble, his friends must come to the rescue. Adapted from the much-loved 1908 children’s novel, this charming play celebrates friendship, loyalty, and the joy of mischief. Full of heart, humour, and adventure, it’s a delightful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

June 20, 2026 – October 3, 2026
Heartbreak House By Bernard Shaw
Directed by Tim Carroll

Heartbreak House by Bernard Shaw, directed by Tim Carroll, explores a society on the brink of chaos. While the shadows of war gather, most weekend guests are preoccupied with love, marriage, and social pleasures. As couples waltz through a shifting dance of ever-changing partners, only the enigmatic old sea captain, Shotover, perceives the looming threats around them. Rich in wit, intrigue, and subtle critique, this play is often ranked among the greatest ever written. Shaw combines entertainment with deep reflection, creating a work that is both mysteriously engaging and profoundly thought-provoking, a true theatrical classic.

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July 19, 2026 – October 3, 2026
Ohio State Murders By Adrienne Kennedy
Directed by Philip Akin

Ohio State Murders by Adrienne Kennedy follows Suzanne, an acclaimed Black author who returns to her alma mater, Ohio State University, to speak about the violent nature of her work. As she revisits the campus, memories long buried resurface, forcing her to confront the devastating events of 1949, when she was a student there. Past and present collide as the painful truth slowly emerges. Written by legendary playwright Adrienne Kennedy, this haunting and provocative play is a powerful exploration of race, identity, memory, and grief, offering an unsettling and deeply moving theatrical experience. Mature content.


HOLIDAY SEASON

November 5, 2026 – December 23, 2026
A Year with Frog and Toad
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
Directed by Jonathan Tan

A Year with Frog and Toad, based on the beloved books by Arnold Lobel, follows two best friends as they journey through the seasons, sharing small adventures and big feelings along the way. From planting gardens and flying kites to learning patience, courage, and kindness, Frog and Toad discover what friendship truly means. Gentle humour, warmth, and simple wisdom shine throughout this charming musical, making it perfect for young audiences and their families. Celebrating loyalty, acceptance, and the joys of everyday life, this delightful stage adaptation brings Lobel’s timeless characters to life with heart, laughter, and song.

November 8, 2026 – December 23, 2026
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Directed and choreographed by Kimberley Rampersad

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella brings new magic to the timeless fairy tale through unforgettable music and heartfelt storytelling. Kind and hopeful Cinderella dreams of a better life, even as she endures the cruelty of her stepfamily. When a royal invitation offers the chance for change, courage, kindness, and a little enchantment transform her world. Featuring beloved songs such as “In My Own Little Corner” and “Impossible,” this enchanting musical celebrates love, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself. Perfect for audiences of all ages, it’s a sparkling theatrical experience filled with romance, humour, and happily-ever-after charm.


About the Shaw Festival

Inspired by the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival creates unforgettable theatrical encounters. The Shaw is a place where people who are curious about the world gather to share the unique experience of live theatre and to create a deeper human connection with the artists, the beauty and abundance of Niagara and with each other. For more information, visit shawfest.com.

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