COMEDY FOR A CAUSE
Where: The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St.
When: Friday, July 5, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30)
Tickets: $27.96 at eventbrite.ca
Why: Five local comics (led by Curran Dobbs, who had a nice run on Canada’s Got Talent in 2023) have joined together for this fundraiser in aid of Community Living Victoria, which provides services and support to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Dobbs will be joined at The Vic Theatre by Syd Bosel, Wes Borg, Mikey Dubs, and Zane Oak, a collection of comics who offer a variety of approaches — some off-the-wall and some heartfelt — but are across-the-board funny.
GREATER VICTORIA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Where: Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan Cres.) and Lampson School (670 Lampson St.)
When: July 4-20
Tickets: $25 at vicshakespeare.com (children 12 and under free)
Why: The topsy-turvy comedy of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing uses an impressive estate for its setting, which makes upcoming performances of the 17th Century favourite perfectly suited to the occasion. A pair of local landmarks (Craigdarroch Castle and Lampson Street School) are in play for performances at the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival, which are under the direction of Willis Taylor and feature up-and- coming members of the Victoria acting community. Performances will be be held at Craigdarroch Castle through July 6 and Lampson School from July 8-20.
EVENTIDE MUSIC SERIES
Where: Centennial Square
When: July 3-Aug. 21
Admission: Free
Why: There’s a lot to like about the alternative-leaning Eventide Music Series, one of the city’s best-kept summer secrets for the past decade. For starters, it’s free. There’s plenty of musical highlights as well, and the grass-roots production (with funding from the City of Victoria) activates a public space well worth preserving. Be sure to catch one of the installments on tap each Wednesday through Aug. 1, which include appearances by Posh Coat, Layten Kramer, Fred Cracklin, Black Ends and others.
