Victoria’s first MidLife Crisis Show, Oct. 2 and 3 at the Victoria Conference Centre, is mostly aimed at your funny bone.
Thirty-six per cent of our population is between the ages of 50 and 75, says show manager Barbara Newton, and they are busy switching gears from full-time work and raising families to travelling, volunteering, home renovations, exploring new technology, sampling food and drink trends or starting a lifestyle business – all of which and more will be showcased at The MidLife Crisis Show.
“It’s the brainchild of executive producer Peter Dale (founder of Better Than 50),” says Newton. At first they looked at an expo geared toward the younger generation. “Yet, this demographic is at such an interesting time of their lives. They have the funds to do new things, it’s an active time in our life, it’s a time people are rediscovering their interests and new interests.”
The MidLife Crises Show opens Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. with a performance by Canadian comic Brent Butt followed by a VIP Reception where you can rub shoulders with Butt and other VIPs.
On Oct. 3, the doors to The MidLife Crisis Show open at 10 a.m. Butt kicks-off the main event at 11 a.m. followed by continuous main stage entertainment on the Monday Magazine stage hosted by local personality David Lennam. Saturday admission gets you into all main stage entertainment, the Tasting Room and the Technology Petting Zoo; participate in panel discussions, pick the brains of experts, enter draws and contests and check out exhibits and demonstrations.
Seven local beverage providers: Victoria Spirits, Unsworth Vineyard, Sea Cider, Moon Under Water, 2% Jazz Coffee, Anteeo Tea and Jusu Juice have been paired with seven local chefs from Vista 18, Six Mile Pub, Kitchens of Distinction, Charelli’s Cheese, Olive the Senses, Crumsby’s Bakery and Fairway Market to give your taste buds a workout in the Tasting Room.
“The Tasting Room alone is worth the price of admission to the show,” says Newton. “This is a perfect event for anyone interested in food and drink trends.”
The Technology Petting Zoo will give you a chance to check out new devices, with staff from London Drugs, the Greater Victoria Public Library and 791 Technology standing by to answer your questions.
Five panel discussions will give you a chance to hear and discuss issues related to housing, transitions, staying frisky, getting published and travel trends. The “Ask an Expert Series” allows you to sign up via the website to pick an expert’s brain in a one-on-one.
“It all covers the idea of transitions,” she says. “There are a lot of fun things. Topics such as off-roading, the tasting room, the tech room, even the panel discussion about transitions I think will be engaging – and the stage of course, the stage will be the most fun.”
Performances include the Derwin Blanshard Show, a sendup of the late-night talk show format, with high profile celebrity guests to be announced the week of the show; Dykstra & Randall, aka Ina Dykstra and Jan Randall from CBC’s The Irrelevant Show, will tickle your funny bone; Carolyn Harvey-Smith from Aurea Gems & Essential Luxuries shows women how to pack for a cruise or a European vacation with only five Sympli pieces; Dave Morris and Paper Street Theatre Improvisation Troupe will amaze with their humorous inventiveness; and you will be touched and amused by Real Stories Told Live by members of the Victoria Storytellers Guild.
“Ask yourself what intrigues you, what have you said you would do ‘later, when I have time?’ Whatever it is, the time to explore is now and you can get a good start at The MidLife Crisis Show,” says Newton.
The Saanich News has 25 pairs of tickets to give away for the Saturday, Oct. 3 MidLife Crisis Show. The first 25 people to drop by our office at #104B - 3550 Saanich Rd. Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. can pick up their set of tickets.
For more information visit midlifecrisisshow.com.