"Billy Bishop returns to war in Vancouver" —Vancouver Sun interview with Ryan Beil  [Read More]

"Celebrated play in musician’s blood" —Vancouver Courier interview with Zachary Gray [Read More]

"Do your heart a favour and break it by seeing Billy Bishop Goes to War... I urge every red-blooded Canuck who can to catch a moving presentation of this Canadian classic." —Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun

"Sarah Rodgers makes this a landmark production by directing with an eye to those small things in live theatre that can stand for much more." —Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun

"...Beil and Gray fit hand in glove, whether singing beautiful harmonies or playing the part of pals in hell, their tight teamwork makes this show much more than the sum of its parts…you may well be moved to tears by this rich and timely return to a touching tribute." —Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun

"Beil is proving to be a tremendously versatile performer and, like Bishop, bound for glory." —Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Courier

"If there was any doubt that Rodgers was playing in the directorial major leagues, there's no doubt now. How do you stage a war? Rodgers does it with a few wooden crates, a tall wooden ladder, a couple of pieces of plywood, a chair and a piano. Amazingly, when all but the piano are pushed together, Beil, as Billy, seems to fly, dodging enemy planes with his machine gun blazing: "Ack-ack-ack-ack-ack." —Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Courier

"I urge you to see this cocky, hilarious tour de force. With this performance, Ryan Beil secures a position in the city's top tier of actors." —Michael Harris, Globe and Mail

"Ryan Beil accomplishes the impossible…He takes one of the best-known plays in the Canadian theatrical canon and makes it howl on the stage as though it were just born. I was riveted..." —Michael Harris, Globe and Mail

"Accompanying Beil on a fusty old piano and a very fine Guild guitar is Zachary Gray, son of playwright John Gray (who wrote the play with Eric Peterson). Gray's folksy and charmed voice gives the songs of Billy Bishop a deeply melancholic timbre." —Michael Harris, Globe and Mail
 

"The acting vibrant and energetic accompanied with intimate song and sound. Set design both ingenious and simple...I'd hang that fine example of assemblage on my living room wall! We loved the show."
—Kelly, West Vancouver

"Fantastic! Flawless! The acting, the music, the costumes, the props......wonderful!
I and my friends had a great time and can see why it is THE play not to miss! Certainly my favourite of the year. A MUST see!"
—Vicki, Vancouver

"My husband and I recently attended Billy Bishop Goes to War. We both enjoyed it tremendously! My husband is a retired military member and his father fought in the 2nd World War as well his Grandfather was in both wars, so it hit home. To have only two actors in the production was a feat in itself they were brilliant!"
—Kara, Vancouver

"Great acting, with minimal set, transports us into the attitudes of participants in the first world war air battles, and contrasts it with the life of the lowly soldier in the mud of the battlefield. Wonderfully done."
—Miles, Delta

"We loved this production. Ryan Beil gave a performance that was inspired and nuanced; it was captivating without being hammy or over-done. My twelve year old son was absolutely riveted and sat forward in his seat the entire performance. He said he'll no longer think of Ryan Beil as the A & W guy - he'll think of him as Billy Bishop."
—Katherine

"I saw BBGTW in Edmonton about 30 years ago with the original cast - it stuck with me obviously, as I was excited to introduce this great Canadian play to my girlfriend and her family. It was nice to see it being carried forward by a new generation, and was very well done."
—Dean, Richmond

"Outstanding!!! We were very impressed with the almost solo production. Story contents was very informative and our Sr. parents were most impressed."
—Sandra

"This was truly wonderful, the acting was brilliant, the production thoroughly entertaining. A great way to get a history lesson!"
—Maggie, Surrey

"LOVED it!!! Ryan Beil is amazing. I am recommending it to everyone."
—Betty, Port Coquitlam

"Two thumbs way up!"
—Anonymous

"We saw the first production in 1978 at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre, and my wife and I thought that the productions were very comparable. We loved both of them! The inspiration of the Olympics and Billy Bishop goes hand in hand."
—Ronald, Vancouver

"I bought a subscription last autumn, and almost did not go to this performance. I did not like the title, and I don't like musicals, but since I had the ticket I decided to go. I felt I would leave at the intermission.
I was enraptured. Ryan Biel was fantastic in his role. Apart from some flashing lights I found the performance professional and uplifting. You never cease to amaze me by your productions!"
—Julia, Vancouver

"We loved this show-terrific young performers and beautifully staged. This show was definitely worth a remount."
—Jane, Sechelt
 

Blog Coverage

Billy Bishop Goes to War Meet and Greet – Silent Movie Style!

Billy Bishop and Bill’s Uncle Bill

A Note from the Director

Glamourama – Billy Bishop Goes to Party!

Introducing…Billy Bishop Goes to War
 

Artistic team

Written and Composed by John Gray with Eric Peterson
Starring Ryan Beil and Zachary Gray
Directed by Sarah Rodgers
Set Designer Kevin McAllister
Lighting Designer Itai Erdal
Stage Manager Marion Anderson,
Assistant Stage Manager Benjamin Cheung

Downloads

House Programme