Laughter and nature. Both great cures for things that perturb us.
At a time when many could use a little laughter, the warmth of gathering and the serenity of nature, Caravan Farm Theatre in Spallumcheen announces a 2025 season with all of that and more on its playbill.
Giving neighbours from across this valley the opportunity to connect is one Caravan takes seriously.
鈥淲hat an important time to stretch that muscle of being 鈥榠n it鈥� together, and to feel a bit of magic on the land,鈥� says Estelle Shook, artistic director. 鈥淭he stars, the horses, the fire, the gathering, the theatre 鈥� you always just feel better after being at a Caravan, and that鈥檚 what we can give to the community.鈥�
This season, amidst the tensions of trade wars and a changing landscape, those light-filled layers of offerings may be even more fitting. 鈥淲e鈥檙e going into the dark, into some complicated subject matter, but with a lot of humour and joy.鈥�
It all starts with the highly anticipated summer show, a 鈥渇reewheeling and fun鈥� Shakespeare adaptation entitled Richard III: The Last Hurrah. Standup comedian/pro actor Ryan Biel plays the lead, and from there, Shook says, 鈥渋t goes off the rails.鈥� Billed as a 鈥渨ickedly funny鈥� cabaret experience that also features a country western band, The Last Hurrah runs July 8-Aug 3.
After having to cancel last year鈥檚 Walk of Terror and Labyrinth, the professional outdoor theatre company is thrilled to announce that both will be back 鈥� giving spook-seekers the chance to rub shoulders with things that go bump in the night and an epic party that brings the community together 鈥渢o scream away their troubles.鈥� Labyrinth runs Oct. 16-30 and the WOT Spectacular with Freak Motif takes place Oct. 25.
The fun and the fantastical continues with A Midwinter Night鈥檚 Dream. Another fresh interpretation of a classic comedy marked by pranks, poetry and a donkey, this winter sleigh ride show takes guests into the starry woods outside Athens one playful and fateful night. A Midwinter Night鈥檚 Dream runs Dec. 2-Jan. 3.
Shook reminds locals you don鈥檛 have to wait for the big shows to jump on board a horse-drawn adventure.
Caravan鈥檚 next horse-drawn holiday Sleigh Ride Socials take place Sunday, April 20, with an Easter egg hunt; on May 4 for a Mother鈥檚 Day picnic; and on Oct. 12 for horse-drawn Halloween fun in the daylight.
鈥淭his is an experience that invites folks of all ages to come together to enjoy the beauty of the land from a horse-drawn wagon," says Shook. "You get to meet these majestic heavy horses and their spirited drivers, dig into some hearty local food and cozy up around the firepit."
Students across the region will also have the chance to spend time outdoors hearing and creating stories at Caravan as part of its Creative Land-based Learning Field Trips, which includes Secwepemc storyteller Kenthen Thomas鈥檚 Audio Land Walk All My Relations guiding listeners. Field trips are offered May through September.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit or call the box office at 1-866-546-8533.