Photo by Ronnie Burkett

Photo by Ronnie Burkett

JAN 10–29 | Historic Theatre
World Premiere

The Cultch Presents

Little Willy

A twisted retelling of Romeo and Juliet!

JAN 10–29
Historic Theatre
World Premiere

A Production of Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes (Toronto)

The Daisy Theatre gang is back with their irreverent hijinks as they take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in Little Willy. Burlesque star Dolly Wiggler starts the show with an Elizabethan striptease in this riotously funny improvised mash-up of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. All the leading ladies of the Daisy ensemble battle for the role of Juliet, including faded diva Esme Massengill in a boozy interpretation of the lovesick ingénue.  Beloved audience favourites Schnitzel and Mrs. Edna Rural are back in supporting roles, and adding to the fun and mayhem, The Bard himself joins The Daisy Theatre cast for a twisted retelling of this timeless tale.

 “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Esmé is the sun.” 

  • 16 Years+
  • This performance contains optional audience participation.
  • In-person performance

Message from Heather Redfern — Why we programmed this show:

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$35 under 35

$35 tickets are available at all performances of Little Willy for people age 35 and under. Simply use promo code under35 to access tickets. Limit of 2 tickets per person. Valid for section A & B only. Available while quantities last.

 

Showtimes & Dates

Jan 10: 7:30PM/ Opening
Jan 11–15: 7:30PM
Jan 17: 7:30PM/ Talkback
Jan 18–22: 7:30PM
Jan 24: 7:30PM/ Talkback
Jan 25–28: 7:30PM
Jan 29: 2PM

Post-Show Talkback

JAN 17: 7:30 PM
JAN 24: 7:30 PM

Venue Location

​​Historic Theatre
1895 Venables St.
Vancouver, BC

Box office info

1895 Venables St.
604-251-1363
boxoffice@thecultch.com

Mon to Fri: 12–6PM, Sat 12-4
and 1 hour prior to all performances

Cultch Connects

Our Cultch Connects program provides free tickets for families, community groups, artists, and others who might not be able to otherwise experience our shows. If you would like to learn more about how to access Cultch Connects tickets, please reach out to outreach@thecultch.com.

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COMPANY CREDITS

Created and Performed by Ronnie Burkett
Music by John Alcorn
Created and Performed by Ronnie Burkett
Music by John Alcorn
Stage Management by Crystal Salverda

Ronnie Burkett is represented by John Lambert & Assoc., Montréal, johnlambert.ca

View Digital Program

Rave Reviews for Ronnie Burkett

"Little Willy is sweet dirty fun"

David C. Jones, Vancouver Presents

"An uproarious, improvised tour de force of Burkett’s lightning-fast wit.”

Jay Minter, On The List

"Just expect the utterly unexpected—and to laugh yourself silly. "

-Janet Smith, Stir

"...howlingly funny, with a few extended moments of quiet brilliant depth”

—Jerry Wasserman, VancouverPlays

"Pure joy and hilarity!”

— Alan Woo, Fun! Fun! Vancouver!

"...the real magic of Burkett for me is how he can make me laugh and bring me close to tears.”

—Jo Ledingham, Theatre Critic

“Burkett will likely move you (literally) in unexpected ways. The puppets are alive.“

—Shawn Conner, Vancouver Sun (about Forget Me Not)

“He invests his beautifully crafted puppets with individual personalities and voices"

—Karen Fricker, Toronto Star (about Forget Me Not)

“It was more than good. To borrow the vernacular consistently used throughout this marionette show, it was f…ing brilliant”

—Christine Pilgrim, Vancouver Presents (about Little Dickens)

“Burkett is one of the most extraordinary performers you’ll ever see”

—Colin Thomas, Vancouver Theatre Critic, (about Little Dickens)

"Burkett is a genius”

— Jo Ledingham, On the Scene (about Forget me Not)

“This is a once in a lifetime experience that anyone who has a flair for creativity and out-of-the-box theatre will surely not forget.”

—Darren Cordeiro, Review Vancouver (about Forget me Not)

“A hilariously sexy, endearing, interactive, heartwarming romp”

—Danielle Benzon, Theatre Addicts, (about Little Dickens)
 

Photos of Little Dickens ensemble by Dahlia Katz
Photos of Daisy Theatre ensemble by Alejandro Santiago

Interview with Ronnie Burkett: Part One—The Daisy Theatre

Play Video

Ronnie Burkett: A Passion For Puppetry

Photo of Ronnie Burkett by John Alcorn

Ronnie Burkett has been captivated by puppetry since the age of seven, and began touring his shows around Alberta at the age of fourteen. Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes was formed in 1986, continuously playing on Canada’s major stages, and as a guest company on numerous tours abroad.

Ronnie received the 2009 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, The Herbert Whittaker Drama Bench Award for Outstanding Contribution to Canadian Theatre, a Village Voice OBIE Award, and four Citations of Excellence from the American Center of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette. In 2019, Ronnie Burkett was appointed as an Officer of The Order of Canada.
Forget Me Not is the fourteenth production from Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, following the international successes Penny Plain, Billy Twinkle, 10 Days on Earth, Provenance and the “Memory Dress Trilogy” of Tinka’s New Dress, Street of Blood and Happy. The Daisy Theatre, Ronnie’s wildly popular and ever-changing marionette vaudeville show, and the Daisy Christmas show, Little Dickens, continue touring to great acclaim.

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes is represented globally by John Lambert & Assoc.
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