Arden of Faversham is the best crime play in years! It will have you tingling with excitement! This murder thriller will hold your attention like a vice! 

Alice was a dame who liked the good things in life, the sort of things a wealthy husband could buy. But when she fell for a young up and comer, this sweetheart decided to take matters into other people's hands.

Alice used her charm like a pastry chef uses icing, abundantly, temptingly, and to hold the whole thing together. But Alice's icing wasn't the kind you'd want to lick off a spoon; it was 5 parts sugar and the blood of a man, her husband, Arden of Faversham.

No, Alice wouldn't get her own hands dirty. A glance, a touch, a sad story, the promise of her maid in marriage, her husband's gold - she had plenty of ways to get other people to do what she wanted. And what she wanted was Arden, her unbeloved husband, dead.

But getting others to do the dirty work means you don't know what sort of goons they're hiring to take care of things. Some of these clowns are so bad at their job it's laughable.

You might think Artists' Collective Theatre's production of Arden of Faversham is something out of 1950's Hollywood. That's the style director Christopher Weddell has chosen to do this Elizabethan domestic tragedy in. In truth, it was first printed in 1592. The author is unknown, but it (or parts of it) has been attributed to Thomas Kyd, Christopher Marlowe, and even the bard himself, William Shakespeare.

Arden of Faversham Artists

Amanda Liz Cutting is thrilled to be a part of Arden of Faversham. Selected credits include Comedy of Errors (Luciana), Fat Pig (Helen), Rumors (Chris), Frankenstein (Elizabeth), Under Milk Wood (9 Characters), Until the Glass Stops Working (Gillian) and a Poker Girls webisode. She most recently appeared as Mrs. Givings in ACT's production of The Vibrator Play. She is a Mount Royal University Graduate in Theatre Arts. Amanda played the role of Greene.

Ben Francis (a real Englishman) is a graduate of the master class program at the Company of Rogues Actors Studio. Select theatre credits include: All in Good Time (Workshop Theatre), The Rimers of Eldritch (Company of Rogues), The Bar off Melrose (Company of Rogues), Almost Maine (Artists Collective Theatre), The Goat, and The Vibrator Play (Artists Collective Theatre). Ben is thrilled to be working with such a talented group of people and hopes you enjoy the show! Ben played the role of Shakebag.

This is Breanna Kennedy's first show with ACT Theatre. She is a company member with Loose Moose Theatre. She is currently in rehearsals for her upcoming role in Concord Floral with Theatre Junction GRAND, and is a core cast member with Dirty Laundry: The Next Generation. Other recent titles include Dog Sees God, Missed Connections (Sour Dog Theatre), IGNITE! Festival 2015 (Sage Theatre), Beauty & The Beast, Treasure Island, The Emperor’s New Clothes (Loose Moose Theatre), NE: KILL HARD (Bros Before Shows). When not in theatre Breanna works as a photographer in Calgary focusing on headshots, theatre, and promotional work. Breanna held the position of Stage Manager.

Finally able to list a pseudo-Shakespearean character in her repertoire, Charlotte Loeppkey is beyond pleased to work with this stellar team in such a unique production. Previous roles with ACT include Stevie in "The Goat or Who is Sylvia" (2015) and music director for the award winning "The Apple Kingdom" (2013). She would like to thank her home-bodies for keeping her fed and warm during theatre season. Charlotte played the role of Reede.

Christopher Weddell is a founding member of Bard on the Beach, a graduate of the Playhouse Acting School, and a respected director, actor, and teacher. In 2005 he received the Edmund Kean Sword Award for Lifetime Achievement from Bard on the Beach. He has twice been nominated for Jessie Richardson Awards - including an Outstanding Direction nod for Shakespeare’s Richard II (Bard on the Beach). Christopher has acted and taught across North America and in Europe. Christopher held the position of Director.

Conrad Belau is a multidisciplinary artist. Select acting credits include The Tempest (Suspension of Disbelief), The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (Rosebud Theatre), The Darling Family (Three Eyes Productions), A Thought in Three Parts (Theatre Outre) and Love Song (Courage Productions). He was also involved in the creation and performances of How to Disappear Completely (Ghost River Theatre, 2014 Intensive) and the Calgary Critter nominated hit This Is How I Left (Third Street Theatre). Upcoming shows include Little Women and starring in Walt Whitman's Secret with Frank Theatre in Vancouver. He thanks Alix and his family. “God is GOOD!” Conrad played the roles of Clarke & Ferryman.

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Daniel Rousell developed a passion for performing after his first stage debut at the age of 6. He has enjoyed a broad range of acting and singing roles in theatre, film and television, including playing Gunter in Season 1 of the award-winning hit TV series, "Fargo". He was recently nominated for a Joey Award for Best Actor in Theatre or Live Event (12-14 years) for his contrasting dual lead roles in Suessical the Musical. Alongside his involvement in Aden of Faversham, he plays Valvert in the theatrical production of Cyrano and Roxanne. Daniel played the roles of Cole & Ice Man.

Eric Pettifor is a graduate of the Vancouver Playhouse Acting School and Artistic Dramaturg of Artists' Collective Theatre. He has directed for the company, and has appeared as Martin in ACT's production of The Goat, Easton in Almost, Maine and Dr. Givings in The Vibrator Play. He is thrilled to be part of such a wonderful cast and to have the opportunity to work with a Shakespeare director as accomplished as Christopher Weddell. Eric played the role of Franklin.

Erik Hope is ACT's resident set builder, going all the way back to our innaugral production of The Lonely Soldier Monologues where he created for us near indestructable benches which served again in our production of Almost, Maine. He managed an ocean of doors in Spring Awakening, and created the towering book cases of The Goat. He is an essential partner in making our designers' work a reality. Erik held the positions of Executive Producer & Set Builder.

Having previously appeared in Theatre Calgary’s Mary Poppins, Faith LeBlanc is very excited to be returning to the stage in Arden of Faversham. A Second-Degree Junior Black Belt in Uechi-Ryu karate, Faith has been in countless Musical Theatre, Improv and Drama programs and camps since she was 4 years old. Faith loves live theatre and being onstage is a dream come true for her; she would like to thank everyone who has supported & encouraged her along her journey, especially her parents. Faith played the roles of Iris & Shop Boy.

Felix LeBlanc is an actor, singer, dancer, and musician originally from B.C.. He is very happy to make his Calgary debut with The Arden of Faversham. Credits include Chickens(Station Arts Theatre), Diamond Tooth Gerties(Dawson City), The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, Masterclass(The Arts Club), and many productions with Pacific Opera Victoria. Felix is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Felix played the role of Mosbie.

Jan Francis was involved with a repertory company whilst residing in England, both as an actor and backstage and is excited to be part of this amazing production with an incredible cast and crew. Jan held the position of Producer.

Jennifer Merio: Select credits include: A Picasso (Miss Fischer), Boeing Boeing (Gabriella), Lend Me a Tenor (Diana), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Betty), The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty), Into the Woods (Steward), Company (Susan), Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding (Maddy, Donna). Jennifer would like to thank Christopher and all involved for with this production, for all she has learned from this extraordinary experience. Much love to her husband and two kids, for indulging her alter egos, on and off the stage. Jennifer played the role of Alice.

Jonathan Molinski is a recent graduate from the University of Calgary's Drama Program. He has recently finished an inspiring summer being apart of Theatre Calgary's Shakespeare by the Bow playing Sebastian in The Tempest. Past credits include: A Spark Extinguished (Sage/Ignite), 10 Pints (Common Ground), Measure for Measure, The Seagull, The Box (University of Calgary). He would like to thank Christopher for the opportunity to work together again, and Alicia for her endless support. Jonathan played the role of Michael.

Josh Bertwistle has studied with Calgary's Loose Moose Theatre Company since 2007. He's appeared in the local film "Roger's Pass", in the web series "Word of Mouth" and "Hug-o-Gram", and in the second season of "One Hit Die". He brought his shows "Sabotage" and "The Antarctic Show" to the Calgary Fringe, and, together with the Windmill Theatre Players, directed his impro-noir "Men of Mystery" at the W.O. Mitchell Theatre in High River. Josh performs regularly in the improvised soap opera "Dirty Laundry" at Lunchbox Theatre, and can also be seen with the impro-theatre troupe The Kinkonauts. He appears next in Rebecca Northan's "Legend Has It", for Alberta Theatre Projects. Josh played the role of Black Will.

Kira Sams worked on ACT's last play, The Vibrator Play. Along with her trusty sewing machine, she has built costumes for various local theatre communities, burlesque dancers, cosplayers and even a few web series. Be it film or stage, Kira will tackle anything that comes her way and loves to take on a challenge. She is currently working as the Vertigo Theatre costume apprentice and on managing her costume/couture brand Luxuria Vice: http://www.luxuriavice.com Kira held the position of Costume Builder.

Linda Kee spent the last decade in Vancouver, where she worked on such film and television projects as ABC's Mistresses and V, Warner Bros. Traveler and CBC's Intelligence and the Dragon Boys miniseries. She also co-founded Vancouver's sketch comedy group Cocktails and Holywater, and represented her first short film, Afternoon at Gudrun at the Cannes Film Festival Market Place in 2013. In Calgary, Linda has worked with such theatre companies as, the Shakespeare Company, Rogues Theatre and All Nations Theatre. She is a graduated of the Mount Royal College Performing Arts Conservatory Program and the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, BC. Linda played the role of Bradshaw.

Megan Baldrey is a Calgary based actor and graduate of Mount Royal University's Theatre Performance program. She is very excited to be collaborating with ACT for the second time, after appearing on stage in last season's The Vibrator Play. Previous credits include Persephone (Full Circle Theatre); Othello, Much Ado About Nothing and Double Falsehood (Shakespeare in the Park). Megan is also touring to elementary schools this season with Bigs and Littles Theatre's Gravy and Moe. Megan played the role of Susan.

Artists' Collective Theatre is pleased to welcome back lighting designer Michelle McAulay. Michelle designed several ACT shows including The Lonely Soldier Monologues, Rel8shun, and The Apple Kingdom. Michelle held the position of Lighting Designer.

Nigel Francis has been in the architectural field for over 30 years and is thrilled to be designing this interesting set for Arden. He would like to thank cast and crew for their support. Nigel held the position of Set Designer.

Peter Cameron is an Alberta born and raised artist. Since recently moving back to Calgary, Peter works as a photo-realistic painter, photographer, actor, and musician. His deep passion for the arts and his love to create keeps him fully invested in his artistic endeavours. Arden of Faversham is Peter's first play with Artists' Collective Theatre, and marks his return to the stage after a nine year hiatus. Visit petercameron.me to see Peter's other art. Peter played the role of Arden.

Rhonda Mottle Select Credits: FRC - Spamalot (CAT award), Legally Blonde, Gypsy (Costume Design), My Fair Lady (Lady Boxington), Footloose (Betty Blast), STORYBOOK - Willy Winka (Grandma Georgina, Oompah Loompah), Busytown, Peter Pan - ASM, Shrek, Les Miserable - Costume Assistant, Wardrobe Mistress, MORPHEUS - HMS Pinafore, UNIVERSITY - Titanic, Miss Saigon OF INTEREST: When not in or around the theatre she is sharing her life with husband, Bruce, three children: David, Megan & Brian, extended family, and friends. She's always ready to go out for coffee, shopping…?!! Rhonda held the position of Assistant Stage Manager.

Sandy Lucas is an extensive background in dance as a performer and teacher who has studied acting over several years with Dan Libman at the Calgary Actors’ Studio and taken numerous courses and workshops. Favorite roles have included the headmistress in “Smash”, Mrs. Dubose(To Kill a Mockingbird), Mrs. Chauvenet (Harvey), and the Duchess of York in The Shakespeare Company’s productions of “Richard the Third” and “The Queens,” Mag (The Beauty Queen of Leenane), and Hilda (Who Knows). This is her first play with ACT and she is thrilled to be working with such a fine cast and crew. Many thanks to family and friends for their ongoing support. Sandy played the role of Mrs Cheiny.