Mary of Shanty Bay is a two act play (2F, 2M), commissioned by Theatre by the Bay in Barrie. It was produced by Theatre by the Bay (TBTB) in 2018, and had an almost completely sold-out run. A new production occurred in September/October 2022, with performances inside St. Thomas Church in Shanty Bay and at Theatre Collingwood. SOON TO BE AVAILABLE TO LICENSE OR READ THROUGH THE PLAYWRIGHT’S GUILD OF CANADA PLAY CONNECT.
Photo by Laura Joy Photography
Mary of Shanty Bay is based on the real-life diaries of Mary Gapper, who comes to Canada from England in 1828. What starts off as a short visit soon becomes a lifelong adventure, with Mary and her husband building a home on the edge of a new world and struggling for survival. Does Mary possess the resilience and resourcefulness to rise to the occasion?
The 2022 production of Mary of Shanty Bay was performed in St. Thomas Church, Shanty Bay. St. Thomas Church was founded and built by Edward G. O’Brien, his wife Mary Gapper O’Brien, and members of the community.
This production was directed by Rochelle Reynolds, and featured Leah Holder (Mary), Daniel Reale (Edward), Jessy Ardern (Fanny and others), and Aidan Gouveia (Southby and others).
Photo by Khaleel Gandhi, featuring Leah Holder and Daniel Reale.
Trailer for Mary of Shanty Bay, Theatre by the Bay 2022. Edit by Khaleel Gandhi.
Hear Leah talk about Mary of Shanty Bay on CBC
Ontario Morning!
Ontario Morning from CBC Radio with Ramraajh Sharvendiran - Sep. 20, 2022: The return of Mary of Shanty Bay. Listen here.
See the article in Barrie Today
featuring an interview with Leah Holder here.
Photo by Khaleel Gandhi, featuring Aidan Gouveia, Jessy Ardern, and Leah Holder.
Poster for Mary of Shanty Bay at Theatre Collingwood. Photo by Leah Holder.
Photo by Khaleel Gandhi., featuring Daniel Reale and Leah Holder.
Photo by Khaleel Gandhi, featuring Leah Holder.