Wondering what to do for date night? How about dinner and a play? There’s something about pairing a great meal with live theatre that offers a welcome change from the usual night out. Theatre creates a shared experience that’s emotional, surprising and, in this case, downright hilarious. No scrolling on your phone, no awkward silences—just two people enjoying something live together.
Before taking our seats for the Arts Club Theatre’s production of The Play That Goes Wrong, we headed to The Drive (Commercial Drive) for dinner. While Granville Island is home to plenty of excellent restaurants, we hadn’t visited one of Vancouver’s most vibrant, culturally rich neighbourhoods in a while, and we were eager to try Sopra Sotto‘s new summer menu.
For a pre-theatre meal, Sopra Sotto delivers lively energy with its open kitchen, excellent wine list and shareable plates. There’s a reason Italian cuisine remains a favourite before or after the theatre: it’s satisfying, soulful and effortlessly comforting.
We kicked things off by sharing the Burrata Salad, featuring figs, prosciutto, arugula, balsamic dressing, radish, basil and crostini, along with what may have been the best Caesar salad Trace has ever had.
Recently, Brazilian-born chef Agnello Alvarenga unveiled Sopra Sotto’s seasonally inspired summer food and drink menu. For our mains, we ordered the handmade Rigatoni alla Norma, bursting with the bright, herbaceous flavours of roasted eggplant, whipped ricotta, basil and Grana Padano, while Trace chose the Meatballs al Sugo, a deeply comforting dish layered with rich, savoury flavour in every bite.
The beverage program showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of predominantly Italian wines alongside both classic and contemporary cocktails. We paired our meal with a smooth, bold glass of Frasca Barbera d’Asti 2022, while Trace opted for the Final Say, one of the new additions to the summer cocktail menu, featuring elderflower-infused rye whiskey, Liquore Strega, St-Germain and fresh lime juice.
Sopra Sotto’s atmosphere is warm, welcoming and unmistakably inviting, radiating genuine hospitality and a cozy charm that makes you want to linger. Most importantly, the kitchen consistently turns out pastas and pizzas that deliver serious comfort-food satisfaction. What better way to unwind than with a bowl of handmade pasta, a glass of wine and great company before an evening filled with laughter?
After dinner, we made our way to the Lindsay Family Stage on Granville Island for The Play That Goes Wrong, the Arts Club’s final production before the fall season begins. The comedy follows the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt—and spectacularly fail—to stage the fictional 1922 murder mystery The Murder at Haversham Manor.
From the moment the audience enters the theatre, it’s clear that disaster is looming. Before long, props collapse, walls fall down, actors miss their cues and chaos reigns. The laughter in the theatre was constant, with the audience erupting into applause throughout the performance. It’s truly an ensemble production, and every member of the cast delivers impeccable comic timing.
If you’re looking for a night that’s immersive, delightfully chaotic and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, The Play That Goes Wrong is a must-see. Due to overwhelming demand, the Arts Club has extended the production through August 30. Even better, audiences can take advantage of a special offer: buy one ticket and receive a second ticket for $25 off using promo code ENCORE before the end of the run. —Michelle Hopkins
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