Nestled in the seaside town of Chemainus is one of Vancouver Island’s most iconic experiences where professional theatre meets a delectable feast. Chemainus Theatre Festival has been entertaining and feeding audiences from all over the world for over thirty years and their 2026 season will be completed with two unique productions, Peril in the Alps and The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley.
In Peril in the Alps, Chemainus Theatre presents a fresh take on an Agatha Christie detective story running from September 25th to October 25th. Audiences will be delighted to see the beloved character of Hercule Poirot with a twist! With only 6 total cast members performing nearly 30 roles, the quick changes and incredible comedic timing in this classic mystery setting is a guaranteed madcap whodunit thrill ride!
When The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley opens on November 13th Chemainus Theatre will transform into the world of Jane Austen for a seasonal follow-up to Pride and Prejudice. While a 2024 production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley focused on the Darcy family’s festivities upstairs, The Wickhams offers a glimpse into the heart of the servants’ quarters at Pemberley during that very same yuletide. Their holiday efforts are suddenly disrupted by the unannounced midnight appearance of the notorious Mr. Wickham—the scandalous spouse of Lydia and Darcy’s longtime adversary. The Wickhams is a heartwarming festive story that examines the boundaries of social standing and the power of redemption.
To create a completed Chemainus Theatre experience audiences can add a meal before or after their play in the Playbill Dining Room with lunch, brunch and dinner options. The chef changes menus to complement each show often with dishes inspired by the setting of the play! Besides the delicious buffets and professional theatre Chemainus Theatre Festival is known for, they also present gallery art exhibitions in their lobbies, dinner and concert Cabarets, and a gift store featuring artisanal works from across Canada. Only an hour’s drive from Victoria, the Chemainus Theatre Festival is truly an unforgettable experience.
