THEATRE PREVIEW

MAY 2026 | Volume 263

 

The Cultch invites you to Sophie's Surprise 29th – a wild, thrilling circus party

The Cultch closes out its 25/26 season with an unforgettable party, June 10–28, 2026, at the York Theatre! It's circus,comedy and chaos featuring lead performers from world-renowned companies like Cirque du Soleil, La Clique, and The 7 Fingers. Sophie's Surprise 29th will reel audiences in with death-defying circus and cabaret feats, combined with a nostalgic ‘90s house soundtrack.

Unlike any other circus, Three Legged Productions' acts are disguised as a surprise birthday party. "Come and join the party, but remember, don't tell Sophie!" they say.

Sophie's Surprise 29th made its debut in 2022, the same year Three Legged Productions was formed, and was an immediate success. Following the London premiere, the show was picked up for a headline slot at Edinburgh Fringe. The company has since performed there for several consecutive years, and at other renowned venues like Underbelly Boulevard Soho and Montréal Complètement Cirque. This will be Three Legged Productions' first time performing in Vancouver. The Cultch audiences get to see the show before it goes on a Canadian tour later in 2026!

"Sophie's Surprise 29th is truly one of the best combinations of sheer fun and circus excellence out there. These artists are irreverent and daring, and we can't wait for Vancouver audiences to join their party" —Nicole McLuckie, Associate Executive Director at The Cultch

★★★★★ "The wildest party of the fringe...Loved every minute of it, funny, sexy and breathtaking" —Scottish Sun

★★★★★ "These are circus performers at the top of their game" —Last Minute Theatre Tickets

Three Legged Race Productions (UK)
Directed by Katharine Arnold, Isis Clegg-Vinell&Nathan Price
Lighting design by Fraser Martin

WHEN: JUNE 10–28, 2026
EVENING PERFORMANCES, 7:30 PM
Wed, June 10 — Opening
Thurs, June 11
Fri, June 12
Sat, June 13
Tues, June 16
Wed, June 17
Thurs, June 18
Fri, June 19
Sat, June 20
Tues, June 23
Wed, June 24
Thurs, June 25
Fri, June 26
Sat, June 27

MATINEE PERFORMANCES, 4:00 PM
Sun, June 14
Sun, June 21
Sun, June 28

WHERE: York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC

TICKETS: Tickets from $44. Tickets on sale now through The Cultch's Box Office: 604-251-1363 or https://thecultch.com/event/sophies-surprise-29th/  

ABOUT THREE LEGGED RACE PRODUCTIONS:
Three Legged Race Productions was created in 2022 by Katharine Arnold, Isis Clegg-Vinell and Nathan Price. Bringing together over a decade of experience working at the highest and lowest levels of circus, from the prestigious stages of Cirque du Soleil across the world to the equally-but-differently-prestigious stages of sticky-floored basements in Piccadilly Circus, Three Legged Race Productions have seen, done, and experienced it all. There is no idea too weird, no trick too sketchy and no joke they won't over-do. 

ABOUT THE CULTCH:

Since 1973, The Cultch (formerly the Vancouver East Cultural Centre) has been one of Vancouver's most diverse and innovative arts and cultural hubs. The organization operates three theatrical venues, a gallery, and various ancillary spaces in the heart of East Vancouver. Offering dynamic contemporary works in theatre, dance, music, and the visual arts, The Cultch brings world-class presentations to thousands of citizens each year through its own programming and rental opportunities for community users. The non-profit's purpose is to provide a venue for performance, serving a diverse and engaged public, creating space for artistic experimentation and development, and building an audience for cutting-edge local, national, and international work.

 

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