What the…
Whizgiggling is a Newfoundland word meaning ‘to act silly or foolish’ and what better way to describe a Newfoundland based theatre company?
The founder, Cheryl Jameson, lived in Newfoundland for 4 years and fell, absolutely, in love with it’s culture, scenery and peoples - so much so, that she married one! Being a ‘typical Newfoundlander’ her husband, Justin, wanted to move to Alberta, so off they went on a 14 day road trip across the country (Cheryl cried most of the way, not wanting to leave her beloved island). Once they got themselves settled, they discovered just how expensive it was to fly ‘home’ for the holidays. They wanted to bring some of ‘the rock’ to the land locked Newfoundlanders for Christmas and started inquiring with The Spirit of Newfoundland about producing one of their adapted productions “The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageants…Ever” here to Alberta. With their well wishes and blessings, Whizgiggling Productions was born with their first production of the Christmas favourite in 2010.
Since then they have continued producing, mostly, Newfoundland based works; Salt-Water Moon, Hanlon House and Her Mark. 2019 marked their 10th anniversary and they are absolutely ‘chuffed’ that they are still able to bring some Newfoundland spirit and culture to Alberta.
“Bringing a bit of home to the mainland”
Cheryl Jameson | Founder
About
Whizgiggling Productions is an Edmonton based theatre company that largely produces theatre by, or about Newfoudlanders, in an effort to promote their rich culture and history.
Established in 2010 for their first production of “The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!” they have since gone on to produce numerous productions. In 2016, their production of “Salt-Water Moon” garnered a Sterling Award for actor, Jayce McKenzie.
In 2017, their Christmas production, “The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!” (affectionately referred to as “TBLNCPE”) toured across Alberta to 8 different communities (Wainwright, Edson, Vermillion, Consort, Daysland, Camrose, Airdrie and Stettler). In 2018, they hit the road again, taking the show to Devon, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan and Fort McMurray. This year they will be travelling up to Grande Prairie, the home town of one of the show’s actors.
2019 marked their 10th Anniversary and the 10th year they have produced their beloved Christmas production of “The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!”
2020 came in like a lion, but we still were able to bring some tradition into the living rooms of Whizgiggling fans, all across the world (as far as New Zealand even). With our “The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant….Ever! In Your Living Room!” event, we zoomed the show live and still kept the spirit of audience interaction alive with crafts and the magic of the mute button (“Miss, am I muted?!!!").
By the time summer 2021 rolled around covid had eased a little and Whizgiggling was lucky enough to take to the fringe stage with a LIVE AUDIENCE and perform the world premier of “Destination Wedding” to 8 sold out shows! We ended off 2021 with 2 live performances of “The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!” and 1 zoom show, adopting the PPE and the Herdman’s version of social distancing!
For 2022 Whizgiggling Productions, and its trio of women, hit the Edmonton Fringe Festival with the 2nd installment of their “Destination” series with the world premier of Trevor Schmidt’s “Destination Vegas” - which received 5 star reviews!
Up next, the Herdmans are ready to crash the church pageant in this year’s rendition of “The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!” at The Backstage Theatre, running December 16, 17, and 18th!
UPCOMING SHOWS
