Reviews for Theatre Aezir’s production of Dating Games
“Witty, tightly executed, and full of heart, Dating Games highlights Theatre Aezir’s flair for fresh, thoughtful programming and affirms the promise of London’s next generation of theatre-makers.”
– Jo-Anne Bishop (The Beat Magazine 2025).
Dating Games
A Night of Love, Laughter, and Lessons in Directing
Theatre Aezir proudly presented Dating Games by Garth Wingfield — five short plays, each telling a comically terrible first date story gone off the rails. But the real story was happening offstage: this was also a groundbreaking training initiative for emerging directors.
Each play was helmed by a new voice in theatre, paired with a professional mentor to guide them through the full rehearsal-to-performance process. It was hands-on, high-stakes, real-world learning — and it was exactly what our region’s theatre scene needed.
Actors were cast from the local community and sharpened their skills through workshops in movement, diction, and vocal production. Our creative team of professional stage and design artists supported every moment — from lights up to final bow.
This was more than a show. It was a full-spectrum, community-rooted initiative combining mentorship, training, and performance — with a dash of heartbreak comedy.
Dating Games: Where bad dates make great theatre.
And the future of stage direction gets its start.
- James Callaghan Henry
- Chiedza Gondoza Sheila, Steven’s 0wner
- Haley Gordon Mary, Helen
- Danika Goss Holly
- Billie Gould Alice
- Matthew Lazaris-Brunner Daniel
- Ryan Memarzadeh Scout’s Owner
- Aidan Robertson Her Date
- Mike Wisnoiwski Kevin
- John Beverley Chief Set Builder
- Avery Brown Sound Design
- Melissa Buchanan-Paquette Assistant Stage Manager
- Jill Canterbury Assistant Stage Manager
- Carrie Cooper Director
- Candace Cooper Assistant Stage Manager
- Elizabeth Durand Producer
- Joey Larmour Director
- Colin Legge Mentor Director
- Helena Ma Production Manager
- Amanda Marshall Stage Manager
- Jessica Norrie Assistant Stage Manager
- Demis Odanga Director
- Will Reich Lighting Apprentice & Stage Crew
- Aidan Robertson Director
- Jim Schaefer Mentor Director
- Mike Semple Mentor Director/Lighting & Set Designer
- Erin Sevigny Graphic Design & Social Media
- Dylan Trahan Director
- Helen Wrack-Adams Costumes & Props
