“It was coming up to the first Christmas after the war and everything was supposed to be nice from now on. And now this happened. Who would want to beat up a nice man like Sammy's father? A man in a hood. A hood made of a flour bag cut-off. The printing on the flour bag said "RITCHIE'S FEED AND SEED.” Tommy, Angel Square

 

“Angel Square is the story of Tommy, who grows up in the rough and tumble, multicultural Lowertown that was Doyle's own neighbourhood as a boy. Catholic, Protestant and Jewish kids battle it out daily on Angel Square, and Tommy - imagining himself to be his radio hero The Shadow - finally fights back one Christmas season by finding the culprit behind an attack on the father of his best friend, Sammy Rosenberg. Doyle unveils universal lessons of tolerance and explores the timeless conflicts of growing up by focusing on a small, vibrant patch of boyhood.“ (Patrick Langston, Ottawa Citizen, 2008.)

 

Angel Square is adapted by local playwright and director Janet Irwin, and based on Brian Doyle’s novel of the same name. A celebrated Ottawa author, writing countless novels based on the people and communities of the Ottawa area, Brian Doyle is celebrating his 90th year and we are all thrilled to be sharing one of his iconic stories. This vivid stage reading of the stage adaptation of Angel Square is the perfect performance to get you into the holiday spirit; It is  a story that will entertain all ages! 

 

This fundraiser is hosted in collaboration with; Skeleton Key Theatre,  Easy Street Productions, and Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Theatre. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be used in the further development and production of Mary Ann Alice (The Beginning of the End), an adaptation of Brian Doyle’s novel of the same name, produced in partnership by the three independent Ottawa theatre companies.

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Angel Square: A Staged Reading Fundraiser 

Friday, December 12th 2025 at 7pm 

Glebe  - St. James United Church

650 Lyon St. S Ottawa, ON

Doors: 6:30pm

Staged Reading: 7:00pm

 

A heartwarming classic and supporting Ottawa independent theatre is sure to fill you with holiday cheer!  We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

 

Thank you to Groundwood Books for their support in the Angel Square Fundraiser.