Congratulations to Theatre Replacement on Jack and the Beanstalk: An East Van Panto. Children giggled, adults guffawed and by the end I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. This performance offers a fitting kick-off for the grand opening of the Cultch's newest space, The York Theatre. 

Though not lucky enough to catch the opening night festivities, I was fortunate to see the matinee the next afternoon with my young friend Tania. As one of many children in the house, Tania enjoyed participating in the traditional pantomime audience hijinks and was particularly good at loudly booing the nasty villain. However, she was curious as to why the show had two...