East Van Panto: West Van Story

East Van’s wackiest, joyfully subversive, and family-friendly tradition returns for its thirteenth year! The Cultch is excited to present Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: West Van Story at the York Theatre from Wednesday, November 19, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026. When a freak atmospheric tsunami strands West Van influencer Holly and her curling crew, The Hurry Hards, deep in the wilds of East Van, she’s ready for disaster – but not the romantic kind. Enter Joes: charming, striking, and a proud member of The East Van Pets… their sworn enemies! As Holly battles the expectations of her West Van mega-developer motherfather, Boberta Rainy, she finds herself caught between two cities, two families, and one seriously unexpected crush. Will she follow her heart – and Joes – into a new world of dance battles, civic resistance, and love? Or will Boberta’s towers and renovictions squash everything in their path? “We feel beyond lucky to keep making these joyful, wildly inventive shows,” says Theatre Replacement’s Artistic Director, Maiko Yamamoto. “Every Panto is a love letter to East Van, and this year with West Van Story, we’re stretching the Panto form even further with a show that crisscrosses two legendary tales as well as Vancouver neighbourhoods!” This holiday season, come watch Holly and Joes try to Second-Narrows-Bridge their differences and sweep each other off their feet in this Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired romp like only East Van can deliver. Love, laughter, and low-income housing – now that’s a triple takeout. Hurry hard!