Production Bios & Headshots

Xiam Webster

MIMMS (THE MAID)

Xiam Webster is pleased to return for her second appearance both with Merlyn Productions and in the RMTC's Master Playwright Festival, having previously played multiple roles in the company's AyckbournFest 2016 production of “Ernie's Incredible Illucinations”.

As a performer, she has been in musicals, dance revues, commedia d'ell arte troupes, comedies, choirs, dramas, and a small amount of film. With years of experience behind her, she delights in learning new skills. (Besides, for her very favourite role – “Mom” – she needs every one of them to keep up with her amazing family!)

Xiam sends her thanks and gratitude to Grampa Alec, Aunty Marilyn, her Mom and Dad who got her started, and especially to her loving husband and kids who are her co-adventurers.

Dean Duncan

CLAYHORN (THE BUTLER)

Dean Duncan is making his sixth appearance with Merlyn Productions, and was last seen as Andrey Andreyevitch Shipuchin in the company's ChekhovFest 2014 production of “The Anniversary”.

During the 2011 Season, Dean appeared as Lestrande in “The Curtain”, when the company presented its Morality Plays triple-feature. He made multiple character appearances in Dramatic Showcase 2012, and has also performed in “The Wraith of Wrath” and “Wind of a Thousand Tales”.

Backstage, Dean has done stage management work on Chase & Hamill's “HEY ABBOTT! - Another Classic Comedy Tribute Show”, the Winnipeg Theatre School's Youth Showcase 2013, and Merlyn Productions' 2013 run of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”.

Outside of Merlyn, Dean has had speaking roles in local independent film and television productions, including “Rob What” and “Dark Corners”.

Born in Winnipeg and growing up in Churchill, Dean returned in 2003 to explore broader horizons. After years of unexpressed interest in theatre and a brief foray into stand-up comedy, he auditioned for Merlyn Productions in Autumn 2011.

Offstage, Dean enjoys reading, cooking, and finding the ridiculous in the mundane.

David King

DOCTOR ALBERT PRINCE

David King is making his seventh appearance with Merlyn Productions. Previous roles include the Shoemaker in multiple runs of “The World of The Brothers Grimm”, and the Property Man in “Ming Lee and The Magic Tree” at the 2013 Winnipeg Fringe Festival.

David has also stage managed six plays for the company, including “Through the Looking Glass (And What Alice Found There)” in 2014, and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 2015.

For more than fifty years, David has been involved in both amateur and professional theatre, and has worn many hats, including acting, set construction, and stage management, with theatre companies in Toronto, Ontario and Cornwall, Ontario, as well as Wichita, Kansas.

On the film and television scene, David has been involved in several films and commercials shot locally in Winnipeg, and recently worked as a background performer on the television series “The Pinkertons”.

Basia Zaleska

EMILY PLAIN (THE PLAIN WOMAN)

Basia Zaleska is making her third appearance on the Merlyn Productions mainstage. She was previously seen in “Wind of a Thousand Tales” in 2012, and in “Confessional” when the company presented its Morality Plays triple-feature in 2011. As an alumna of the Winnipeg Theatre School, she also performed with the “STAGE ONE: Adult Theatre” class in Dramatic Showcase 2011.

Basia's interest in theatre began as a child, taking dance classes at the Winnipeg School of Performing Arts under Kimberley Timlock, and then performing with her high school improv team, The Hamburger Earmuffs.

Participating in the arts is an on-going inspiration for Basia, who is happy to return to the stage for “And Then There Was One”. She hopes you will enjoy the show!

Robert Hewitt King

INSPECTOR HORATIO MILES

Robert Hewitt King is making his first appearance with Merlyn Productions, and is delighted to be a part of the cast of “And Then There Was One”!

Robert – who expounds his past credits as “hanging around the community theatre scene in Winnipeg for a good many years” – wishes to answer one question you might have:

“Fellow cast-member David King and I are not related. I don't think. He might be my great great grandfather, long lost, but I think probably not.”

Sandy Tirleroux

DELORES BIGGS (THE ACTRESS)

Sandy Tirleroux is making her first appearance on the Merlyn Productions mainstage. She is currently a second year Adult Acting student at the Winnipeg Theatre School, and previously performed with her class in Dramatic Showcase 2016.

As a child, Sandy was always ready to put on a show with extravagant self-made costumes, starring her siblings and friends. Their most popular production, “The Phantom of the Opry” spoof, was a parody of a parody of the famous musical.

Sandy has a passion for musical theatre, and in addition to her acting classes, is also taking vocal and piano lessons. Her other skills include gymnastics, Irish tap dancing, and skating.

Coming from a family of musicians, Sandy's dad calls her his “little globe-trotter”, as she is always ready to pack and go on a new adventure. Her favourite destination is New York City: the dream place for theatre lovers.

Ethan Lapkin

PRESLEY YORK (THE SINGER)

Ethan Lapkin is making his first appearance with Merlyn Productions, and is thrilled to be part of the team!

When he was younger, Ethan was quite shy and his parents convinced him to try a theatre camp for one week during summer vacation. It was love at first scene!

Ethan lives to perform, and has been studying theatre for 5 years in various acting classes and ensemble groups. He has also begun film acting, and has enjoyed being a part of several local productions.

When he isn't on stage or camera, Ethan is an avid reader, an aspiring coder, and an active participant in his local 4H community.

Chantelle Dubois

HEATHER STARLETT (THE INGÉNUE)

Chantelle Dubois is making her second appearance with Merlyn Productions, and is excited to be a part of “And Then There Was One”! Previously, she played multiple roles in the company's AyckbournFest 2016 production of “Ernie's Incredible Illucinations”.

Chantelle has been actively involved in the theatre and film community in Manitoba for over a decade. Currently, she is enrolled in her fourth year at the University of Manitoba, studying Theatre and Psychology.

Dakota Nickels

MATTHEW CHARISMA (THE HANDSOME MAN)

Dakota Nickels is making his first appearance with Merlyn Productions.

Having once played Big Jule in his high school's musical theatre production of “Guys and Dolls”, his ambition remains to be an actor in theatre and film.

For the past three years, Dakota has been doing stand-up comedy. Previously, he studied Theatre at the University of Winnipeg and breakdance at the Manitoba Conservatory of Dance, in addition to theatre classes at MTYP and improv classes at PTE.

Laura Chan

MARGARET LaRUE (THE FIRST VICTIM)

Laura Chan is making her third appearance with Merlyn Productions after a long hiatus. Having spent the last several years memorising theories and carrying on an 8 day schedule for weeks at a time, she is grateful to play the lifeless Margaret LaRue!

Previously, Laura was seen playing The Scornful One in “Woman's Honor” in 2010, and Delia in “Fancy Free” in 2009.

Originally from “outside Toronto” – and having taken a break from the wonderful local arts scene to pursue “higher education” – she is trying yet again to make a home (and perhaps a name) for herself in the Smallest Big City in the World.

Laura thanks John for welcoming her back, and all her cast-mates for their patience and friendship.

She hopes you enjoy the show!

Ken Woodley

THE UNSEEN HOST / STAGE MANAGER

Ken Woodley is making his first “appearance” with Merlyn Productions as the voice of The Unseen Host, in addition to coming onboard as Stage Manager!

A former English teacher, Ken has been involved with community theatre for the past 20 years. While living in Yellowknife, NT, Ken worked with four separate theatrical companies. During that time, his involvement was not limited to acting. He directed four different plays, stage managed several others, and took on various technical roles in numerous additional productions.

Moving to Winnipeg six years ago, Ken enrolled at the PTE Theatre & Film School, where he took a variety of courses. He was a member of the PTE Adult Company from 2013 to 2015, performing in “The Weir”, “Celebration”, and “Oedipus Rex”. In 2015, Ken played the role of Ben in Harold Pinter's “The Dumbwaiter” at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.

Ken is very happy to have been given his first opportunity to work with Merlyn Productions.