Housed in the base of the Calgary Tower, Lunchbox Theatre has long served as an escape for working Calgarians, presenting short one-act plays over the noon hour. Founded in 1975 by Bartlet and Margaret Bard and Betty Gibb, Lunchbox Theatre is the longest-running lunchtime theatre company in the world. “You’re in and out within an hour. You can eat your lunch in the theatre while you watch the show. And the shows are generally designed to be entertaining with a message,” explains Lunchbox Theatre artistic director Mark Bellamy.
Originally from Calgary, Mark has been involved in Canadian theatre for more than 30 years. He trained as a professional actor and spent many years touring as a performer in Canada and the U.S. before branching out into directing plays, eventually becoming the artistic director for Calgary’s Vertigo Theatre before coming on board with Lunchbox.
Lunchbox Theatre is recognized as one of the world’s longest running and most successful lunchtime theatre companies. It offers a 50-minute “noontime oasis for busy audience members” with a diverse lineup of one-act plays from upbeat musicals to offbeat comedies, many written by local playwrights. Lunchbox also hosts the annual Suncor Stage One Festival to encourage the creation and development of the one-act oeuvre.
Lunchbox produces one-act plays in a variety of genres that are just the right length to enjoy with lunch. Lunch is provided by Sunterra Market and can be pre-ordered 24 hours in advance. Just pick your up at the box office on your way into the show. Performances run Monday to Saturday at 12:10 pm with a 6:10 evening show Thursday and Friday.