“Smoke Gets in Your House” reading to open Naked Stage season in Surrey

A reading of Ken Levine’s “Smoke Gets in Your House” will open Naked Stage’s fall-to-spring season in Surrey on the Nov. 6-8 weekend. The script follows two couples whose lives change after they are evacuated during a California wildfire. Brian Johnston, Shawn Webster, Judith Betzler and Ryan Johnson play the four characters, in a performance that combines drama and humour.

Launched 10 years ago, Naked Stage presents radio-play-like performances. Actors read curated scripts on stage, without extensive lighting, sound or props. The stage at Newton Cultural Centre is “naked” in this sense; the term does not describe actors who audition and rehearse.

Director Colleen McGoff Dean says the impending disaster forces both couples to confront long-held values and differences that need to be addressed. Her description and ticket sales are available at nspsociety.com (https://www.nspsociety.com/upcoming-shows). Tickets are $24 each, or $20 each when buying 10. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at 13530 72 Ave., Surrey.

Patrons may recognize Webster’s voice. She worked as a traffic reporter for CKNW radio station for more than two decades before becoming a realtor. She began acting and doing voice work in 2022.

The 2026-27 Naked Stage season has four script readings. After “Smoke Gets in Your House,” Robert More’s “Jessica’s Fine Adventure” is scheduled for next February, Meghan Kennedy’s “The Counter” for April and Blaine Newton’s “The Thin Grey Line” for June.