Local stars set to shine for Simcoe Little Theatre’s 80th anniversary

Published Jun 18, 2026

Simcoe Little Theatre’s past, present and future will be on full display for its upcoming 80th anniversary celebration.

Directed by SLT regular Jan Rainey, a group of nearly 60 volunteers (including a live band) will present Where the Stars Still Shine next weekend, a show featuring dozens of community theatre alums.

Joining them is a host of Young Theatre Players, a group of youngsters sharpening their on-stage tools.

“It’s been a joy, and it’s a real homecoming, because some of these people involved haven’t been in the building in 10 or more years,” said assistant director Dave Kent. “They’re all here to do this comeback show, which I just think is just incredible.”

The show, written by Rainey, pays homage to the organization’s history while using several performers whom audiences will recognize.

“It’s a night of entertainment, it’s music, it’s skits, it’s snippets from more serious plays, so they’ll get an overview of what’s happened in the past 80 years, and I hope, a glimpse into the future,” said Rainey.

Port Ryerse’s Jaden Banfield was once a youngster looking for more time on stage. Coming off a stint with Toronto’s Second City, the Simcoe Composite School grad is helping bridge the gap between the theatre’s more seasoned veterans and the newcomers.

“It’s special. You don’t want to get into a situation where kids go to see the kids’ shows, and older folks go to see the adult shows,” he said. “I’m always trying to do something that is universally enjoyed or laughed at. My philosophy is, if I find it funny, someone else in this room will too. When one person starts laughing, it creates a chain reaction. To see not only how many people are still here, but how many people are coming in, gives me hope.”

Praise was bestowed on youth for their involvement.

“The young people here are incredible,” said SLT veteran Gloria Mitchell of Waterford.
“It’s nice to see them because you’re watching them grow up and they’re already in the theatre, so the next step is to get them on the big stage.”

It was more than 42 years ago that Mitchell arrived in Norfolk County via Montreal. She even served as producer for the theatre’s first production in its current location on Talbot St.

“My family grew up here,” she said. “My son was on the stage too, so it became a family thing.”

The theatre now sits under the umbrella of Port Dover’s Lighthouse Festival Theatre, but still operates with a volunteer board whose main priority is giving locals the chance to strut their stuff before friends and family.

“Lots of places bigger than Simcoe don’t have a community theatre anymore,” said Rainey.

“It’s very special – it’s a privilege to be working (this show).”

Having performed in the country’s largest market, Banfield still cherishes the chance to return home and share the stage with fellow Norfolk-based performers.

“It’s really great to be able to participate, but to be able to be trusted with so much responsibility in this, it’s so validating for all of the work I’ve been putting in, not only the past couple of years, but since I was six years old,” he added.

“It’s the energy in the air that you can feel when you’re sitting (in the seats) or standing (on the stage), that only comes in a community theatre,” Banfield explained. “You don’t find it anywhere else. It’s something that’s very, very special to Norfolk.”