Ottawa Little Theatre’s most dedicated patron is not of this plane. Often described as a statuesque woman in a long white nightgown, this spectre, named Martha by the OLT community, has been encountered periodically in the theatre which was constructed in the early 1970s on the site of a decommissioned church. Martha is believed to be the spirit of a member of the congregation of the Eastern Methodist Church that once stood at 400 King Edward Avenue before it was renovated to become the original Little Theatre in 1928. Supernatural encounters are now part of the tradition of participating at the theatre, so remember: if you’re the last person to leave at night, always say goodnight to Martha.
The video below was filmed and voiced by OLT actor and videographer Tina Prud’homme circa 2014 and includes interviews with former Executive Director Lynn McGuigan and former Stage Manager Jim Hogan. The cover image is from Honeymoon at Graveside Manor (OLT 2010) with Josh Sparks and Julie Greenspon, a play in which Tina Prud’homme also performed.