U.K. Comedy and Local Events Light Up Langley This September

Theatre in the Country has launched its latest production, “Home, I’m Darling,” in Langley, marking the Western Canada premiere of Laura Wade’s acclaimed comedy. The show runs until September 27, 2023, at the theatre company’s dinner theatre venue located inside the Vineyard Church on Glover Road. Artistic director Reg Parks describes the production as a smart and stylish comedy that raises the question: what happens when living the dream proves more challenging than anticipated?

The play follows Judy, a character who has abandoned her job to create the ideal 1950s home life, complete with immaculate kitchens and vintage dresses. As the pressure for perfection escalates, the comedic elements emerge, leading to hilarious consequences. “This production promises to dazzle not only with its design but also with its stunning costumes by Shelley Boe, vividly bringing the nostalgic 1950s aesthetic to life,” Parks noted. Co-directed by Thomas Smith and Gabe Kirkley, this Olivier Award-winning comedy aims to offer audiences a delightful evening filled with laughter and clever storytelling.

On September 18, 2023, Dr. Stephen M. Dunning, a former professor at Trinity Western University, will hold a book launch and signing for his new work, “Suzy and the Magic Turnip.” This event will take place from 19:00 to 20:30 at the university’s library. Dunning’s book is the first in The Perilous Times Saga, showcasing the adventures of young Suzy and her friends as they navigate extraordinary worlds.

Originally intended for his grandchildren, Dunning’s series has evolved to explore deeper themes of good and evil, suffering and hope, making it accessible for a broader audience. He has written additional volumes, including “Suzy and the City of the Plain” and a third installment, “Suzy and the Time of Changes,” which is ready in draft form. “Writing these books taught me a great deal about the process of creation, the foremost being that I was not entirely in charge of things,” Dunning remarked. He has also published a work titled “Trolls on Mars: A Love Story” under the pen name Justan Thyme.

The Fort Langley Community Hall has announced its fall Music Night series, commencing with a singer-songwriter event on September 19, 2023. Following a successful series launched in October 2024, the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society continues to celebrate local talent through monthly performances. Tom Hammel, part of the music organizing committee, emphasized that these events foster connections between performers and community members, enhancing the cultural fabric of Fort Langley.

The upcoming singer-songwriter night will feature local talents such as Bruce Coughlan, Anna Vandas, and Zaac Pick as they share their stories through music. This event will be succeeded by a Halloween dance on October 31, featuring the Pop Junkies, and a Celtic folk music night with Blackthorn on November 14. Proceeds from these events primarily support the artists, with any surplus directed back to the society’s charitable initiatives.

In a much-anticipated community event, the Scarecrow Festival will take place on September 20, 2023, at Art’s Nursery in Port Kells. This charity event supports Inclusion Langley Society, Orphaned Wildlife Rescue (OWL), St. Vincent de Paul’s Society, and the Surrey Food Bank. With over 60 scarecrows designed by the nursery staff, the festival promises a family-friendly atmosphere filled with food trucks, live music, and scavenger hunts.

The festival runs from 09:00 to 17:00 and serves as a seasonal kickoff to a community exhibit that will continue until Halloween. Admission is set at $6.99, with free entry for children under five. The event encourages donations of non-perishable food items, underscoring its commitment to supporting local charities. Owner Rebecca van der Zalm expressed excitement about welcoming families back for another year of autumn festivities, highlighting the festival’s role in uplifting the community.

As Langley embraces these vibrant events throughout September, residents and visitors alike are invited to engage with the arts, literature, and local traditions that enrich the area.