The Cultch stages Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: West Van Story, November 19 to January 4
Chelsea Haberlin is directing this wacky story of a romance that unites a West Van curling crew and an East Van gang
SPONSORED POST BY The Cultch
East Van Panto: West Van Story. Photo by Emily Cooper
East Van’s wacky, joyfully subversive, and family-friendly tradition is returning for its 13th year. The Cultch is presenting Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: West Van Story at the York Theatre from November 19 to January 4, 2026.
When a freak atmospheric tsunami strands West Van influencer Holly and her curling crew, The Hurry Hards, deep in the wilds of East Van, she’s ready for disaster—but not the romantic kind. Enter Joes, who’s charming, striking, and a proud member of The East Van Pets, the sworn enemies of The Hurry Hards.
As Holly battles the expectations of her West Van mega-developer motherfather, Boberta Rainy, she finds herself caught between two cities, two families, and one seriously unexpected crush. Will she follow her heart—and Joes—into a new world of dance battles, civic resistance, and love? Or will Boberta’s towers and renovictions squash everything in their path?
“We feel beyond lucky to keep making these joyful, wildly inventive shows,” says Theatre Replacement’s artistic director, Maiko Yamamoto, in a release. “Every Panto is a love letter to East Van, and this year with West Van Story, we’re stretching the Panto form even further with a show that crisscrosses two legendary tales as well as Vancouver neighbourhoods.”
This holiday season, come watch Holly and Joes try to Second-Narrows-Bridge their differences and sweep each other off their feet in this Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired romp like only East Van can deliver. With love, laughter, and low-income housing, the show is a definite triple takeout.
East Van Panto: West Van Story stars Ben Brown, Ivy Charles, Meaghan Chenosky, Dawn Petten, and Tom Pickett. Director Chelsea Haberlin is making her panto debut with this production, which was written by Marcus Youssef with Pedro Chamale. This is also Chamale’s first time working on the East Van Panto, while Youssef is a veteran of the artform who penned both East Van Panto: The Wizard of Oz and East Van Panto: Pinocchio for Theatre Replacement.
An impressive creative team is bringing the story to life. East Van Panto: West Van Story features music by longtime panto composer Veda Hille, choreography by Amanda Testini, set and prop design by Shizuka Kai, scenic illustration by Cindy Mochizuki, costume design by Donnie Tejani, lighting design by Sophie Tang, and sound design by Brad Danyluk. The production also includes live music, with Hille and Jami Reimer alternating on keys and Kate Johnson on percussion.
Stage manager Yvonne Yip, assistant stage manager Victoria Snashall, apprentice stage manager Caroline Tang, and technical director Daniel O’Shea are ensuring the show runs smoothly.
Pay-what-you-choose preview performances are taking place on November 19 and 20 at 7 pm, and opening night is on November 21 at 7 pm. Throughout the run, there will be both matinee showtimes at 2 pm and evening showtimes at 7 pm.
Tickets are on sale now at The Cultch’s Box Office, by phone at 604-251-1363, or online at thecultch.com. Family ticket packs and community pricing will be available for select performances, with discounts for large groups and Indigenous patrons also available. Last year’s East Van Panto sold out—securing seats early is recommended.
Post sponsored by The Cultch.
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