Immersive, interactive horror-comedy explores psychological impacts of social media and cancel culture
MONTREAL, Juy 4, 2025 – Lesbian Wilderness Retreat from Hell (LWRFH) is a queer horror-comedy created by queer artists Christina Saliba and Gwyneth McFall Gorman. This topical, interactive and immersive theatre piece experiments with traditional theatre conventions through projection mapping, audience interactivity via a smart device, and stilt puppetry for the creature’s design. The show continues the twisted, hilarious world first introduced in the hit show, Lesbian Speed Date from Hell (Festival de la Bête Noire, OFF-Just for Laughs and Fierté Montréal), also directed by Mariah Inger. Presented by Misfit Productions in association with Fierté Montréal and Cabaret Lion d’Or, playing from July 31-August 9. Performed in English with French surtitles. Mature content warning—ages 18+.
When five social media influencers realize their invitation to a fabulous queer retreat is a cover-up for a nightmarish revenge plot, they have no choice but to come to terms with their dark pasts; all broadcast live to their social media fans. The audience plays a character in the show, deciding the outcome of the influencers—the consequences are delicious either way…
Beneath its horror-camp exterior, Lesbian Wilderness Retreat from Hell explores the psychological toll of social media and cancel culture. While cancel culture can highlight important issues, it often falls short of fostering real social change. Instead, it is frequently used to deflect criticism and sidestep accountability, hindering meaningful dialogue, reparations, and connection. Social media’s pervasive influence fuels unhealthy fixations on celebrity and perfection, distorting cultural values and personal expectations. In queer communities especially, its misuse can turn safe spaces into battlegrounds.
Through design, digital technology, and dramatic action, LWRFH invites audiences not just to witness, but to participate in these urgent conversations. Here, the audience assumes an active role in the story. At three critical turning points, playgoers are prompted to scan a QR code and vote on a character’s fate after a shocking revelation—choosing either to ‘FORGIVE’ or to ‘CANCEL’. The stakes are high, and the impact is immediate: each decision shifts the course of the narrative in real time, forcing the audience to confront the weight of judgment, empathy and consequence.
Filmmakers/co-creators Saliba and McFall Gorman took inspiration from horror-comedies like Cabin in the Woods, Ready or Not and Bodies Bodies Bodies. “Horror-comedy is a genre that’s rarely explored on stage, it’s more often reserved for the screen,” says Saliba. “We’re thrilled to bring something bold, unexpected, and deeply queer to the theatre—a space where audiences are eager for fresh, genre-bending stories that reflect multiple experiences.”
The razor-sharp comedy in LWRFH taps into something universally relatable. “The show reflects our collective role in shaping online culture and asks us to reconsider what justice, redemption, and accountability really mean,” says Saliba. “As someone who loves both horror and comedy, I chose to explore these themes in the most absurd, over-the-top way possible—because sometimes the most ridiculous lens reveals the deepest truths.”
Director Mariah Inger is a seasoned actor whose career spans film, television, theatre, animation and video games. The entire cast belongs to the queer community, encompassing a range of beautiful and colourful backgrounds: Alyssa Angelucci-Wall, Veronica Baron, Elly Pond, Anton May, Joan Edouard Williams, Emma Elizabeth, Chrystal Zhang and Hannah Morrow. Inger explains: “The queer and BIPOC communities—whose intersectional identities were intentional in our casting—are currently under attack by some of the world’s most powerful voices. Now more than ever, it’s vital to uplift these communities; to ensure they are seen, heard, celebrated and supported. If we can contribute even in a small way, by using laughter and art to give back power, then we’re doing something meaningful. Storytelling has always been a tool for resistance—joy can be a radical act.”
The talented artistic team is: set, prop and video designs by potatoCakes digital (Emily Soussana and Andrew Scriver); lighting design by Wil Schonfelder; sound design by Riel Reddeck Stevens and Violette Kay; costume design by Kayleigh Choiniere; graphic design by Nate Plong; fight choreography by Erin Eldershaw; and creature design by Christine McCauley. The stage manager is Orlando Lopez.
With its sharp satire and immersive technology, Lesbian Wilderness Retreat from Hell is more than just a wild ride—it’s bold theatre that challenges audiences to laugh, reflect and take part in the cultural conversations shaping our world. This is theatre that bites back. Don’t miss your chance to experience it!
Just the Details
Lesbian Wilderness Retreat from Hell
8 shows only: Thurs. July 31 to Sat. Aug. 9 at 8:00 pm (no shows on Mon. Aug 4 & Tues. Aug. 5)
Playing at Cabaret Lion d’Or, 1676 Rue Ontario E. H2L 1S7, wheelchair accessible
Doors open at 7pm; Cabaret Lion d’Or has a bar, feel free to arrive early
In English with French surtitles Mature content warning – ages 18+
Tickets: $12-$25.00 (+ fees); thepointofsale.com/tickets/lesbianwildernessretreatfromhell
posted by Montreal Times
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