A creative partnership between Thorold Theatre and Habitat Niagara ReStores
Something special is happening in Thorold, a collaboration that blends live theatre, sustainability and community impact in a way that feels both creative and deeply practical.
Thorold Theatre has teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Niagara ReStores to bring new life to the stage – and beyond.
At the heart of this partnership is The Kitchen Witches, a fast-paced comedy by Caroline Smith that delivers razor-sharp banter, big personalities and theatrical chaos. Set inside a struggling cable-access cooking show, the play follows two rival celebrity chefs forced to share a cramped studio kitchen, where old grudges quickly boil over. The result? A loud, physical, laugh-out-loud farce that truly comes alive in front of an audience.
But what makes this production even more meaningful is what’s on stage.
Many of the furnishings and set pieces featured in The Kitchen Witches have been loaned from Habitat Niagara ReStores. These items once served a purpose in someone’s home. Now, they help tell a story under the stage lights. And after the final curtain? They can serve a home once again.
“This collaboration just makes sense,” said Daniel Willis, President of Thorold Theatre. “We get beautiful, practical pieces for the stage and the ReStore gets a platform to connect with new supporters. It’s a partnership built on shared values, creativity, sustainability and community. And when an audience member takes home a piece of the stage, it becomes more than theatre – it becomes part of their own story too.”
That idea, of extending the life of something meaningful, is exactly what the ReStore is all about.
“This partnership shows how creativity and community can come together in unexpected ways,” said Cheryl Young Atkinson, ReStore Manager St. Catharines/Fonthill. “The items on stage aren’t just props, they represent sustainability and the impact of giving materials a second life. It’s exciting to see them play a role in storytelling, and then potentially become part of someone else’s home again.”
This collaboration highlights something bigger than a single production, it demonstrates how local non-profits can work together to reduce waste, inspire creativity and invest in their community – all while creating a memorable experience for audiences.
So, when you attend The Kitchen Witches, you’re not just watching a performance. You’re part of a full-circle story, where the set has a past, a present and a future.
And if a particular piece catches your eye, you might just be able to take a piece of the stage home with you. Proceeds from the sale of ReStore props support Habitat for Humanity Niagara and help build homes in the community for families in need of a safe and affordable place to live.
Performances take place at Club Belvedere, April 17, 18, 19, 24 and 25, offering the perfect setting for a night out whether it’s a date, a group outing or simply a chance to enjoy live theatre close to home. Purchase your tickets at https://thoroldtheatre.ca/buy-tickets/