Dinner Theatre History

The House of Hesed Dinner Theatre was started in 2008 by David Turnbull and his mother, Denyse, with a goal in mind to raise as much funds and awareness as they could for the House of Hesed. After exceeding their goal by almost 50% the first year, the House of Hesed Dinner Theatre began to grow, adding more shows and figuring out different ways to offset their costs in order to raise as much as they could for this wonderful cause.

2023 Update on the Dinner Theatre

During the course of 12 years, the Dinner Theatre raised in excess of $478,000 in profit for this ministry. In addition to the funds raised, there was a ripple effect in that a large number of people were made aware of the tragedy of HIV/AIDS in Winnipeg and its effects on men and women living with this disease. Our audiences were also introduced to the ministry of House of Hesed and as a result some individuals were moved to have fundraisers of their own to support us. We received, donations of every kind over the course of the 12 years and even to this day as a direct result of the Dinner Theatre.

Unfortunately due to the Covid crisis, we had to cancel our 2020 performance and in the course of time the Dinner Theatre has been dissolved. This is due in part to life style changes of many of our performers, our Director, producers and volunteers. Babies born, career changes and in general demands of daily life. I think all involved would agree that we would much rather have taken “our final bows” on our terms and not as collateral damage to Covid.

The Dinner Theatre was a unique experience for cast, crew and volunteers and audience members alike, it is not something that can be duplicated. This event was a gift and a Blessing to this ministry and countless people from a most generous God. I could never thank David and Denyse Turnbull, Ron Labbe`, cast and crew and our faithful supporters enough for all their hard work, dedication and commitment on behalf of House of Hesed.  It was a privilege and an honour to be a part of something so unique and so spectacular. 

Moe Feakes. Ministry Director

December 2023

Past Shows