Bio

Matthew Gibson: Saint Mark
A native Kingstonian, Matthew studied acting at Queen’s University and The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in the U.K. He has been a professional actor for almost 20 years, and has extensive experience in the Kingston theatre scene – including 14 seasons at the Thousand Islands Playhouse – and farther afield in theatres across Canada. Recent Theatre Kingston productions include The Master Builder, Cherry Docs, Copenhagen and The Winter’s Tale. In the spring of 2005 he was featured as “Bishop” in The Seat Of Your Pants Theatre Company’s critically acclaimed production of the Canadian classic, Billy Bishop Goes to War, which was directed by his wife, Jennifer. Gibson garnered rave reviews for his performance as Leontes in Theatre Kingston's The Winter's Tale. He was named by the National Post as one of the best actors of 2004 (in Toronto-area productions). The Kingston Whig-Standard raved “[Gibson’s] mastery of Shakespearean verse is obvious . . . I don’t know why he isn’t at Stratford.” Eye Magazine called his performance “Dora-worthy”, and raved “Matthew Gibson gave the subtlest, most moving interpretation of the difficult role of Leontes this reviewer has ever seen . . . not at Soulpepper, not at Stratford, have I seen this difficult role played so convincingly.” Matthew is the Co-Artistic Director of Hope Theatre Projects (formerly The Seat Of Your Pants Theatre Company), and was featured in its critically acclaimed 2007 production of "Art", directed by Jennifer Radford Gibson.

Jennifer Radford Gibson: Director & Stage Manager
Jennifer is a graduate of the Queen's University drama program, the Grants Administrator for the Kingston Arts Council, and the Co-Artistic Director of Hope Theatre Projects (formerly The Seat Of Your Pants Theatre Company). Recent directing credits include: "Art" (for Hope Theatre); Billy Bishop Goes To War, Our Town, Bent, and April in Paris (for TSOYPTC); The Aardv’ARK (for H’Art Studio); and Not Spain, Cherry Docs and The Gospel According to St. Mark (for Theatre Kingston, for whom she was also General Manager for their 2006-07 season). Jennifer is an actress, and a costume, poster, and set designer, as the occasion calls. She holds a Masters degree in Arts Education from Queen’s University, and teaches drama and theatre to children and adults of all ages through various workshop programs in the Kingston area.

"A tour de force"  

"Evocative. Powerful."  

"This show was amazing!  
 I heard the words all  
new and fresh."

"Saw [Alec McCowen]  
 20 years ago at Hart House --  
 am enjoying it even  
more this time!"