The Improv Centre (TIC) celebrates its 45th anniversary season with the World Premiere of Deadly Dinner Party. Beginning on Thursday September 24 at 7pm with a special opening night performance, the new production then settles into its regular schedule; Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm from September 25 to October 30.
photo: Chelsey Stuyt
It’s murder most hilarious as, Deadly Dinner Party invites audiences to an extravagant feast at the mansion of an eccentric millionaire. Five unlikely guests have accepted the invitation, and like all good country hour mysteries, each arrives with secrets, suspicious motives, and plenty to hide. When the host is murdered, suspicion falls on everyone at the table. Fingers are pointed, alibis unravel, misdirection abounds and every revelation opens unexpected new twists. Like a laughable game of CLUE, no two audiences, no two performances, and no two killers will ever overlap.
Dust off your little grey cells to channel your own Hercule Poirot, observe everything like Miss Marple or get involved like Jessica Fletcher on an evening of mystery, mayhem, and murder at The Improv Centre. Whether you’re actively solving the case or simply finding joy in the suspects unravelling, Deadly Dinner Party is packed with clever twists, larger-than-life characters, and unbridled comedy.
“Murder mysteries are such a key part of literature and film, and I believe everyone has their favourite. Whether you love them dark and moody, joyfully twisted, or camp and silly, there is something undeniably satisfying about a good mystery,” says Artistic Director Alan Pavlakovic.
“I wanted to bring that uncertainty and secrecy to our stage and explore what happens when the conventions of the classic murder mystery collide with the spontaneity and unpredictability of improv. We have such a unique platform with improvisation to create these thrilling stories in real time, allowing the audience to become part of the investigation while never quite knowing where the story will go next. Every night, a new mansion. New suspects. New secrets. New motives. New clues. And, inevitably, a new murder. The audience may think they know whodunit, but with improv, even we won’t know until the final curtain.”
The Improv Centre’s sapphire anniversary also boasts a new ensemble of performers. After an open call audition process, TIC is excited to welcome Arell Bryski, Delaney Gilmour, Derek Burrows, Jordan Michaux, Karinga Wells, and Ryan Bell from its House Teams program to the mainstage. Joining the cast from established improv organizations are Jordy Matheson, Lanvi “Six” Nguyen, Syd Campbell, and Zach Wolfman. The 2026-2027 season also includes New Zealand improvisor Ryan Knighton, who after performing in two sold out performances at THE HEAT, has decided to make The Improv Centre his home theatre.
photo: Chelsey Stuyt
Guaranteeing laughs abound, returning ensemble members include Alan Pavlakovic (Artistic Director), Alex Gullason, Allen Morrison, Caitlin Maira, Cam Grant, Chris Casillan, Emily Schoen, Helen Camisa, Jacki Gunn, Jalen Saip, Jenny Rubé, John Voth, Maddy Rafter, Maggie Onedo, Mary Saunders, Meaghan Hommy, Taylor Palmer, and Will Vaughan. Returning technical improvisors include Arya Afshar Mohajer, Brendan Kelly (Technical Director), Cian Plunkett-Blazi, Kat Morrow, Lucien Lum, Mya Mackenzie, Neil Battle, and Sebastian Barbera. Active alumni include Alex Parra, Brian Anderson, Dan Willows, Della Haddock, Drew Clarke, Ed Witzke, Jeff Cooper, Julia Church, Ken Lawson, Rachel Kent, and Stephanie Webster.
The anniversary season also introduces the New 26-27 Season Pass – a VIP perk which gives TIC patrons access to multiple performances throughout the year, early access to new formats and special events, discounted prices throughout the season, complimentary snacks at each performance, exclusive member updates, and more treats over the season.
Stay tuned throughout the season as new and returning favourite games and productions are announced. Passes and tickets can be purchased online at theimprovcentre.ca, by phone at 604-738-7013, or in person at the The Improv Centre Box Office, 1502 Duranleau Street.