Ottawa Theatre Troupe brings Sherlock Holmes to life in support of the Ottawa Food Bank 

This November, Ottawa’s Phoenix Players is presenting The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes, a play by John Nassivera, with ticket sales contributing to a fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank.  

Phoenix Players presents two shows every year, but this time they are issuing a challenge to the people of Ottawa. The Bums in Seats, Food in Bellies (BISFIB) Challenge encourages Ottawans to purchase 1,500 tickets over the run of ten performances at The Gladstone Theatre. If this goal is met, cast member Dr. John Kershman will make a $5,000 donation to the Food Bank. For every 100 tickets above that, Dr. Kershman will donate another $250 and the play's director, André Dimitrijevic, will donate another $750.  

Anyone who is unable to see the show, or would like to further support the BISFIB Challenge, can donate tickets to the show itself by making their purchase and emailing confirmation to the Food Bank at annette@ottawafoodbank.ca. Everyone is are also encouraged to donate directly to the Ottawa Food Bank’s website, to support their ongoing needs. After the recent tornados, the Food Bank’s stocks have been depleted and they need help from the community, which is where Phoenix is stepping in. The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes runs from November 23 to December 1, and every bum in a seat means much needed food in the belly of a neighbour. Three of the ten shows will be matinées. 

The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes features the famous detective venturing into the occult where, during a séance, he is warned that he is about to meet his maker. The play has Holmes, Watson and Professor Moriarty meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wishes to end their existence literally with the final stroke of his pen. Who is the creator and who the pawn becomes the central question as Holmes and the others threaten their creator with the death to which he has sentenced them.  

Tickets can be purchased online at The Gladstone’s website or at the box office at 910 Gladstone Avenue.  

About Phoenix Players  

Phoenix Players was founded in November 2001. They are a registered charity, incorporated in Ontario, with the goal of bringing affordable, high-quality live theatre entertainment to the communities in and around Ottawa. Phoenix Players welcomes new members whether they be experienced actors, stagehands, or totally inexperienced people looking to try their hand at something new. All Phoenix Players productions are presented at The Gladstone Theatre in Ottawa’s Little Italy, where they hold the distinction of being the only community group that is a resident company. 

For more information, visit www.PhoenixPlayers.ca.  

For media enquiries:  

Angie Sauvé  

angie@quirkcomms.com  

613-868-8299