There will be a very special visitor to the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion this weekend as Razzamataz Kids’ Shows returns to Haliburton
Now into its 40th year of bringing professional children’s theatre to the County, the second show of the 2025-26 season happens Jan. 25, with Axis Theatre out of British Columbia performing Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch.
The production tells the story of Mr. Hatch, a puppet who receives an anonymous love letter and sets out to find who it was from. Razzamataz spokesperson, Andrea Lithgow, said it’s the perfect show for parents to bring their kids to and get a feel for the theatre.
“This is a very sweet story, it’s all about the effect of kindness and how we can help people out just by spreading love and kindness around,” Lithgow said. “Mr. Hatch is a character who feels pretty isolated, has a bit of a lonely existence, but is curious about who sent the letter. It has a bit of a Valentine’s Day theme and is all about the power of human connection.”
Only about 45 minutes in length – standard for Razzamataz’s visiting productions – Lithgow said it will be a relaxed atmosphere. A long-time attendee of the shows with her own young children, Lithgow said she got involved last season because she believes so strongly in the group’s mandate.
“As a parent, you’re nervous that your kids might not be able to stay quiet or even last for the whole show. But it’s very welcoming. Anyone who comes to our shows knows that they’re very interactive, kids can have fun and there’s very little stress,” she said. “For most children, this will be their first taste of a theatre experience, so there’s no premise of having to sit still and be quiet.
“There isn’t an intermission and the productions are super professional, so the kids are always engaged. It’s a very accessible bitesize experience,” Lithgow added.
The show, aimed for children two to 10 years, begins at 2 p.m. with a puppet workshop to follow. Taking place in the cafeteria after the play, Lithgow said there are spots for about 15 kids. Tickets can be purchased online at razzamatazz.ca.
There will be two more Razzamataz performances to come – The Old Man and the River from Wee Festival on March 8 and the musical show Earth, Seas and Air by Chris McKhool April 12.
Also on this weekend
• It’s the annual Minden District Fur Harvesters annual workshop in Wilberforce Jan. 24, taking place at the Lloyd Watson Memorial Centre 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Confirmed guests and vendors include the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; Milcun Firearms Training Centre; firearms training by Luca Angilletta; Krystle Pegg to talk Citizens for Crown Land Protection; fur fashions and accessories advice by Carly Kenny; and hunting and fishing supplies by Jeff Griffin.
Admission is by donation, with non-perishable food items accepted on behalf of Central Food Network. Lunch will be provided by the Wilberforce Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
• Also Jan. 24 is Robbie Burns Night at the Haliburton Legion. Enjoy a wee taste of the Highlands with an evening of dancing, Scottish food and live music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with tickets $30 per person.
• The Minden ice races return to the fairgrounds Jan. 24 and 25, running all day; while the returning Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Derby takes over Pinestone Resort for the weekend.
