Ron James
There are few Canadians who know our great country as intimately as stand-up comic Ron James.
After touring the great expanse from coast to coast for more than 15 years, stopping in every nook and cranny, James knows better than most just what makes the country tick. And he’s ready to sound off Sunday, May 13 in Victoria.
“I really did glean a sense of country in my travels,” says James. “That’s the boon of this work — besides the good fortune of being able to make a living doing comedy. I’ve learned to tip the apple cart according to region and to tackle any sacred cows I can.” Like Tim Hortons: “I hit my limit with Timmy’s. I said that to someone and they looked at me like I shit on the flag,” says James. “Bilge water from a Russian tanker filtered through a prostitute’s pantyhose would taste good with a double-double.”
James has a fondness for the “wild, woolly and idyllic” Vancouver Island, and is heading back to the Royal Theatre, where they filmed his third regional comedy special West Coast Wild. “I just love that room,” says James. “It’s one of the nicest rooms in the country. I’ve got a whole new show from when I was there last time. .. let’s just say that if the ushers aren’t wiping the seats afterwards I haven’t done my job.”
Tickets for the Victoria show start at $52.50 and are available at rmts.bc.ca and by phone at 250-386-6121. M
Shirley Valentine
Nicola Cavendish is back in Victoria to present her award-winning performance of Willy Russell’s international hit Shirley Valentine. Cavendish has thrilled Canadian audiences from coast-to-coast for more than 20 years in this remarkable one woman tour-de-force about a neglected housewife that “has enough,” packs her bags and takes off on a journey of self-discovery. This role earned Cavendish wins for best actress in both Vancouver’s prestigious Jessie Richardson and Toronto’s Dora Mavor Moore Awards.
Shirley Valentine runs May 15-20 at the McPherson Playhouse. Tickets at rmts.bc.ca or by phone at 250-386-6121. M
Pacifica Housing Art Show and Sale at Island Blue
Art made by tenants of Pacifica Housing’s four supported complexes is on display for the month of May at Island Blue Art Store (Quadra and Fort). The art was made as part of Pacifica’s art program for residents, which adorns the walls of Clover Place, where David Small (right) has lived since December 2011. David has one artwork in the show and sale, titled Solace in Recovery which depicts a cityscape on a jungle sun. “It’s about getting back to your animal roots rather than living in a concrete jungle,” says Small. A special after hours exhibition and art sale will take place May 10 at 5:30 p.m.. Tickets are $10 and proceeds will support Pacifica Housing’s art program. M
Tweed Ride Victoria
Get out your best herringbone twill and Harris tweed and get classy on the streets of Victoria in the second annual Tweed Ride, kicking off at 11 a.m. from the lawns of the Fairmont Empress. The all-ages ride will make stops at various locations across town, even stopping for a spot of tea at Craigdarroch Castle. Space is limited. Sign up at tweedridevictoria.com. M
