Mr. Tilly's Seance

This was cute, with a colourful cast of characters and a couple of laughs. They touched on some insight near the end, which Iwish they spent longer on rather than the drawn-out intro before the psychic came on stage. It’s hard not to compare this to another seance play in Edmonton that was performed recently at Found Fest, and sadly this pales in comparison. However, I’d recommend it for a fun gap filler in your schedule.

As a lover of oddities and spookiness, nothing raises my spirits more than walking into a paranormal parlour underscored with the dread-inducing sounds of a vintage orchestra. When the jazz is trudging heavily with melancholy, we somehow know that something strange is about to go down.

As the festival program forewarns, Mr. Tilly has indeed died – crushed to death by some machinery – and his friends have all assembled at the den of renowned psychic Madame Cumberbatch. Played with camp and flair by the effervescent Nicole Deveau, she seems to be a spiritual charlatan at first but soon has the séance go sideways on her with the unexpected appearance of Mr. Tilly’s meddling ghost. If you are a fan of Whoopie’s comedy in Ghost (1990), the possession sequence in Beetlejuice (1988), or even the cast from CLUE (1985), this show is likely for you.

Fringe shows often offer a slapdash and threadbare aesthetic, and a well-constructed set with quality finishings has notable impact. The production design is impressively slick for a fringe production, and all elements (from costumes to lights) deserve a special shoutout.

(Access note: the upstairs ballroom at Sugar Swing is not physically accessible for wheelchair users or and the long flights of stairs may prove challenging for those with significant mobility issues. For those sensitive to sound, be prepared for the odd knock that will strike in the room suddenly.)

Mr. Tilly’s Séance was an absolute treat—funny, eerie, and unexpectedly touching. The lighting design by Ken Mathews was stunning, shifting from warm reds to ghostly purples that perfectly captured the mood. Under Anita Bourgeois’ direction, the show flowed beautifully, balancing comedy and drama with finesse. Liz Grierson gave a heartfelt performance as Miss Soulsby, full of emotion and sincerity. Darrel Portz was hilarious and charming as Sir John Plaice, delivering his lines with perfect timing. Ian Horobin’s dry wit as Mr. Meriott was a great counterpoint to Elizabeth Johannson’s commanding and delightfully over-the-top Mrs. Meriott. Nicole Deveau was captivating as Madame Cumberbatch, especially as her character unraveled under pressure. And Justin Deveau as Mr. Tilly brought real depth and warmth to the ghostly heart of the story. Altogether, it was a wonderfully entertaining production with a cast that truly brought the séance to life.

Such a great show! The right amount of campiness to make it enjoyable and fun. I loved the costumes and the lighting. The story was well paced and moved along nicely. I do wonder what's next for these characters.

What an awesome show! Fantastic cast! The chemistry amongst the actors was so awesome that it was natural and realistic. There were many moments of joyful laughter coming from myself and the crowd. There wasn't a dull moment in the show! I didn't want it to end! Highly recommend putting this one on your list of "must sees" 👌😊

A fun and engaging labour of love by playwright Scott C. Bourgeois and director by Anita Bourgeois. A charming cast — many of whom you'll recognize if you caught Scott's excellent show Naked Lady last year — bring to (after)life a tale of a psychic flim-flam artist and the true-believing clientele she fleeces... But does she actually have "the sight" after all...? Lots of laughs to be had in this hour-long romp in the spirit (heh-heh) of Clue.

I don’t ever see a show twice but I’m going to see this one again tomorrow. The cast were phenomenal, but the stage crafting, sound and lighting was beautifully crafted to present a difference between this realm and the next. They were perfectly blended and well written. I highly recommend this show.

Mr. Tilly's Seance written by Scott C. Bourgeois and directed by Anita Bourgeois is a hilarious show that takes place in the 1920s where four friends who attend a seance at Ms. Cumerbach’s salon in hopes of reconnecting with their newly dead colleague, Mr. Tilly. The interaction between the cast and their characters felt so natural, you could tell that they are friends not just in the show but in real life as well. Once the audience adjusted to the shows pacing there were sounds of laughter all throughout the room. The stunning lighting design created some cool images during the show, specifically the use of red lighting to illuminate the ritual. From tassels, to floral print to loose flowy dresses and bow ties. The costumes, true to the era were so much fun and featured so many different colors and textures. Kudos to the cast and crew of this show for creating such a unique experience for audiences! This is show perfect is sure to entertain the whole family. You can catch Mr Tilly’s Seance at the Edmonton Fringe August 18-24, 2025 at the Sugar Swing Ballroom.

I really enjoyed this show—it was much deeper and more intelligent than I expected. The cast has brilliant comedic timing, and their delivery kept me engaged from start to finish. Smart, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Mr. Tilley's Séance is an irresistibly funny and charming comedy that manages to be both spooky and heartwarming in all the right ways. The premise alone sets the stage for a great evening: a group of friends gather for their regular weekly séance—but with a twist. One of them has just died the day before… so the question looms: will he make an appearance?

From the moment the lights dim, you're drawn into the world of these quirky characters. The lighting design is a standout element—it doesn't just illuminate the stage, it enhances the atmosphere and adds layers to the storytelling.

What really sells the play, though, is the incredible chemistry among the cast. Their interactions feel so natural and lived-in that you forget you're watching a performance. It's like being a fly on the wall during one of their private gatherings. Whether they’re bickering over séance rituals or jumping at the sound of a ghost ringing a bell, the timing and energy are spot-on.

The humour is clever, accessible, and delightfully silly in parts—making it a great choice for families. Even children will find plenty to laugh at, thanks to the physical comedy and over-the-top personalities. Yet, there are also subtle jokes and emotional moments that will hit home with adults, giving the play surprising depth.

I can’t recommend Mr. Tilley’s Séance enough. It’s the kind of play that leaves you with a smile on your face and stories to share. Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or just looking for a fun night out, this show is well worth your time. Grab your tickets—you won’t regret it!