It is a future Chicago, where society is divided into five separate ‘factions’ based on virtues. It’s the perfect society where everyone knows their place, their beliefs, and who their like-minded friends are. Outside the boundaries of their perfect factions and their perfect city? Danger and fear.

The story opens with 16-year-old Beatrice preparing for the aptitude test that will reveal which faction she belongs in - Abnegation (the selfless - her family’s faction), Candor (the honest), Erudite (the intelligent), Amity (the peaceful), or Dauntless (the brave). She completes her test, but her results are inconclusive. Instead of revealing just one faction, it has found that she could belong in three. She is instructed to keep her results a secret. She is what’s called Divergent, and in this society, what makes you different also makes you dangerous. Despite her special gifting, she knows she must commit to one faction only, and deny the other parts of herself forever.

As Beatrice makes her decision, and chooses a life that only partly represents her, the seemingly perfect world around her - a society where division has created peace - begins to crumble. The factions are not maintaining harmony like they were intended to. Rather, the government sanctioned divisions within society are pushing the people to rally against each other, forcing a future where one way of thinking at the cost of all others will lead to ultimate segregation and destruction. To fight is the only hope, and Beatrice, as a Divergent, has a special part to play in it all.

This book is a great introduction to reading futuristic and dystopian fiction, especially if this is a new genre for you. Perfect for teens and adults alike, it would make a great gift. It also begs the question: Should we allow ourselves to be divided, or should we fi ght for ways in which we can be united?

Give it a read yourself and come talk to me about it. Maybe we can have goosebumps together... It’s on the shelves now at Totally Book-ish.

Together again in the theatre! The holiday tradition brimming with joy and laughter returns to Mission.

The holiday season is fast approaching and, after nearly two full years away from the stage, beloved British comedy duo James and Jamesy are back with O Christmas Tea. Whether it’s with friends, family, loved ones, or on your own, an evening spent in the theatre with James and Jamesy is sure to be an evening you will never forget.

The show will be held: December 21st at 7.30pm, Clarke Theatre, Mission 

O Christmas Tea is a rollicking holiday spectacular that’s ideal for fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss. James and Jamesy have delighted audiences for decades with their unique take on traditional British comedy and they’re excited to make their eagerly awaited return to the stages.
 
“After 20 months away from the stage, we are beside ourselves -- both literally and metaphorically -- to be reunited with our audiences, many of whom have become like extended family over the festive season, and to again feel the buzz that only the magic of live theatre can bring,” explained Aaron Malkin (James), the taller, less-hirsute half of the award-winning duo.

​The time away, due to pandemic restrictions on live entertainment, has reinforced not only the passion the duo has for its shows, but also the importance that humour plays in our lives. 

“We are so excited to once again be able to bring friends and family together, especially now - more than ever - we are reminded to dream big, embrace imagination, and celebrate a childlike excitement for merriment,” added Alastair Knowles (Jamesy), the eccentric half of the award-winning duo. “There are definitely going to be some surprises for our regular audiences, with whom we’re thrilled to reconnect this season.” 

O Christmas Tea is rich with wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements reminiscent of classic British pantomimes. However, it is James & Jamesy’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that creates the extraordinary magic of this unique festive experience. 

During the action-packed production, a Christmas wish for tea is surprisingly fulfilled in titanic proportions. As the world floods with tea, our duo must find innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat as they try to make their way back home. 

Already a festive tradition for thousands of theatre-goers, this year the O Christmas Tea tour is brighter than ever, with dates across the Pacific Northwest including seven venues in the Lower Mainland - West Vancouver, North Vancouver, New Westminster, Surrey, Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack - offering both long-time fans and those new to the James and Jamesy experience a chance to enjoy the festive production. 
Grab your teacups!

“Complete and utter fun… for all ages.” 
★★★★★ CBC 
​
“I cannot think of a show that will leave you more profoundly happy than this.” 
★★★★★ Stage Door Toronto

Redefining immersive theatre, these masters of physical comedy—with over 20 comedy awards to their name—bring their audience on a jolly escapade with surprising depth in this joyous celebration of friendship at Christmas. 

Event Listing Details: O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy 
Showtime: December 21st at 7.30pm 
Venue: Clarke Theatre, 33700 Prentis Ave, Mission, BC V2V 7B1 
Tickets: jamesandjamesy.com/o-christmas-tea or 604.820.3961 ($19-$44)

About James & Jamesy (jamesandjamesy.com /@jamesandjamesy) David MacMurray Smith, Aaron Malkin (James), and Alastair Knowles (Jamesy) are creators, performers, and educators of physical comedy and physical theatre. Since 2012, James & Jamesy productions have been performed over 750 times across the UK, USA, and Canada, earning lifetime fans and rave reviews. In 2017, they sold out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and in 2018 performed a 5-week run Off Broadway at New York's SoHo Playhouse. Among other accolades, the physical comedians are winners of the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Live Ensemble and are 22-time “Best of Fest” winners on the International Comedy circuit. James & Jamesy continue to defy expectations with their innovative creations that delight and excite audiences of all ages. Their unique humour appeals to those of all ages and fosters an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging of audience involvement.