Experience Big Theatre and Small Town Hospitality in Port Perry

Written by: Nancy Towns.

Courtesy of Durham Tourism.

Imagine for a moment; a Theatre, on the ridge of an island called Scugog, perched over a lake of the same name. People come from north, south, east and west to take in theatrical fare, while professional actors embody tales of great passion, humour and works of timeless playwright. That theatre is Theatre on the Ridge. Now 10 years old, the theatre presents plays beneath their stage canopy tent, accompanied by the soft glow of the stage lights and the setting sun.

If you’ve yet to visit this rural setting, located on the grounds of the Scugog Shores Museum—just minutes east of Port Perry’s walkable hub of shops and culinary offerings—you’re in for a delightfully fresh experience this summer season. Theatre on the Ridge is carving its own niche of outdoor regional theatre. Mark your calendars from June 13 to August 24 for three hilarious productions filled with laughter, music and Shakespearean mayhem.

A road trip to take in one of these lighthearted and witty productions this summer need not be limited to the show itself. With a Theatre on the Ridge ticket, you can also take advantage of a complimentary visit or guided tour of the Scugog Shores Museum, located in Scugog Township within an hour of the GTA. The immersive museum village offers 11 restored historic buildings, so you can explore a sense of the mid to late 19th century of the region. While exploring the museum, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience the Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands, developed in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

A well-rounded visit to Scugog should also include getting acquainted with the variety of independently owned shops, dining and sipping experiences of Port Perry. Alternatively, bring your own basket to shop and fill with picnic fare before carrying on to Palmer Park for a lakeside lunch or dine alfresco under the shade of a tree on the grounds of Scugog Shores Museum.

Culturally speaking, Scugog has a thriving network of artists and the works of many can be enjoyed in Kent Farndale Gallery, in the beautiful lakeside Scugog Memorial Public Library, or at Scugog Council for the Arts—where you’ll have a chance to take something home! End the day’s adventures by hanging your hat for the night in one of the area’s local Bed and Breakfasts.

How to get started on your journey to find the perfect theatre experience in Scugog? Take a look at the 2024 Summer of Fun for the dates and details of each entertaining play brought to life. Then, plan your visit in Scugog to include some of the unique businesses that surround and collaborate with Theatre on the Ridge. Be sure to take advantage of their offered perks for theatre patrons.

Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Theatre on the Ridge’s captivating performances this summer. Purchase your tickets online starting April 1or call the Box Office for assistance.

All roads that lead to Port Perry and the Theatre on the Ridge in under an hour:

• From Uxbridge: approximately 20 minutes east on Regional Road 8
• From Stouffville: approximately 30 minutes east
• From Aurora: approximately 45 minutes east
• From Newmarket: approximately 45 minutes east
• From King City: approximately 55 minutes east
• From City of Kawartha Lakes: approximately 45 minutes south on Regional Road 2
• From Peterborough: approximately 50 minutes west on Ontario Highway 7A
• From Port Hope: approximately 55 minutes northwest
• From Bowmanville or Oshawa: approximately 30 minutes northwest
• From Whitby: approximately 30 minutes north
• From Brooklin: approximately 20 minutes north