The Auburn Series Returns to the Grand Theatre

Featuring Ronnie Burkett, and the London Debut Of New Zealand’s Indian Ink Theatre Company

Season Sponsor:
BMO

Downtown Community Partner:
Old Oak Properties

May 16, 2025 – London, ON – The wait is over! The Grand is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of the beloved Auburn Series for the 2025/26 season. Patrons can look forward to two unforgettable and masterful productions: Ronnie Burkett’s Wonderful Joe and Indian Ink Theatre Company’s Mrs Krishnan’s Party, two distinct stories that will captivate patrons’ hearts.

“The Auburn Developments Stage is the perfect intimate theatre space where the relationship between the performers and audience is central to the storytelling” lays out Artistic Director, Rachel Peake. “With our return to the Auburn we are focusing on that strength and are showcasing two exceptional pieces of theatre that immerse the audience in the experience.” After a year’s hiatus, Peake is excited to be bringing audiences back to the Grand’s smaller space. “These productions have blown audiences away across Canada and across the world. I feel so fortunate to now be able to share them with audiences right here in London!”

Following back-to-back sold-out performances of The Daisy Theatre (2016, 2017) and Little Dickens (2023), award-winning and internationally acclaimed puppeteer Ronnie Burkett returns to the Grand Theatre for a fourth time with his new, critically acclaimed production, Wonderful Joe. Known for his meticulously hand-crafted marionettes and profound and hilarious storytelling, Burkett returns with a quirky, deeply powerful and riotously funny tale of gentrification and imagination. Patrons will accompany elderly Joe and his loyal dog, Mister, on one last adventure as they confront homelessness with optimism. This heartstring-tugging story promises an emotional ride, recommended for audiences 16 years of age and older.

Marking their Grand Theatre debut, the Grand proudly welcomes Indian Ink Theatre Company with their immersive theatrical production of Mrs Krishnan’s Party. Written by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis, this heartwarming story unfolds in the back room of a corner store, where the party is about to begin. Audiences will step into Mrs Krishnan’s vibrant world of Onam celebrations, parenthood realizations, and the experiences of being a first-generation immigrant. In this interactive experience, actors and patrons will dance, cook and celebrate in a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical feast. With a run time of 80 minutes and no intermission, this festive production is suitable for ages 10 and up when accompanied by an adult.

The Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 Auburn Series subscription will offer the perks and comforts that Londoners love – the best prices, hassle-free exchanges, Auburn series tickets at a 15% discount, and exclusive access – at discounted pricing that is 25% off the regular price of tickets. Spriet Series Subscribers can also subscribe to the Auburn Series with an exclusive add-on package deal.

Wonderful Joe

Created and performed by Ronnie Burkett

NOV 4 to NOV 16 | Opens on NOV 5

Back to tug on your heartstrings, literally. Ronnie Burkett returns with a touching tale of retired Joe and his dog, Mister.

He’s not your average Joe! Elderly Joe lives in the urban jungle of a bustling metropolis, where gentrification is rapidly changing the landscape. When he is suddenly evicted, Joe and his loyal dog, Mister, find themselves without a home or a sense of certainty. Determined to make the best of the situation, the pair turn their misfortunes into an adventure, forming unlikely friendships along the way.

Siminovitch Prize winner Ronnie Burkett brings this story to life with his signature style of beautiful puppetry and solo performance, with a glorious score and soundscape by John Alcorn. The Globe and Mail’s Best Theatre of 2024 wrote, “If I had to pick only one favourite piece of theatre from this year, Wonderful Joe was it.” Known to Londoners for his sold out runs of The Daisy Theatre (2017) and Little Dickens (2023), Burkett returns with a touching story brought to life by his string marionettes.

Learn more about Wonderful Joe at the Grand Theatre in 2025/26: https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/wonderful-joe

Mrs Krishnan’s Party

By Justin Lewis and Jacob Rajan

FEB 25 to MAR 7 | Opens on FEB 26

Mrs Krishnan is throwing a party, and you’re invited! RSVP to the most festive and immersive theatre experience of the season.

Welcome to the colourful, vibrant world of Mrs Krishnan where the food is simmering, the music is flowing, and mouthwatering aromas fill the air. She waits for the arrival of her son to complete the Onam preparations. But her plans take an unexpected turn, and we are all now a part of the festivities.

Dive into an immersive theatre experience as the Auburn Stage transforms into a lively back room of a corner store, complete with spontaneous dancing, live cooking, and a heartfelt reflection of the immigrant experience. It’s a party like no other, the New Zealand Herald calls it “a joyful, highly theatrical celebration.” Your seat is waiting for a vibrant experience of theatre, culture and community.

Learn more about Mrs Krishnan’s Party at the Grand Theatre in 2025/26: https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/mrs-krishnans-party

The Grand Theatre would like to extend its appreciation to all funding partners, with special thanks to Season Sponsor, BMO Financial Group, and Downtown Community Partner, Old Oak Properties.

2025/26 Season subscriptions (for both the Spriet and Auburn stages) with savings of up to 25% off the regular single ticket price, are now widely on sale at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street. Single tickets go on sale to the public in Fall 2025.

To learn more about the Grand’s 2025/26 Season: You Are Here, please visit: grandtheatre.com. Additional facts, photos, and updates can also be found by following @thegrandlondon and #GrandHere on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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The Grand Theatre acknowledges and honours the original stewards of the land on which our Theatre stands. We extend our gratitude to and recognize the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lūnaapéewak peoples as the original caretakers of this land upon which we live, work, and tell stories together.

About the grand theatre – World curious. London Proud.

In the heart of downtown London, Ontario lies one of Canada’s oldest regional theatres and a leading cultural hub of today: the Grand Theatre. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Rachel Peake, and Executive Director Lyndee Hansen, the Grand proudly brings diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe – and around the corner – to London and the Southwestern Ontario region. The not-for-profit, charitable arts organization is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through its COMPASS New Play Development program. The Grand is also a centre for arts education, as demonstrated through our flagship program, the annual High School Project, through apprenticeships and placements, and by bringing students to subsidized student matinees. For more information, visit: grandtheatre.com.

For more information please contact:
Maria Siabato, Communications and Public Relations Specialist
Msiabato [at] grandtheatre.com (Msiabato[at]grandtheatre[dot]com)
office: 519-672-9030 ext. 266