November 18, 2025: What's in Colin Mochrie's fridge?

Hey there. Not sure if you saw, but a federal budget was just passed with a whole lot of fanfare and a close vote. It’s funny when the other parties have absolutely no interest in having another election, but they have to vote against the budget so they can say that they did. 

Such a great system we have in place. It’s definitely working really well. 

— Nathan
Editor-in-Chief

— FEATURE — 

Crips for eSims for Gaza keeps Palestine connected from Vancouver

Every morning for the last two years, Jane Shi has had the same morning routine: wake up, check her phone, and top up the eSims being used by people in Gaza. “This is something that is part of my everyday, that feels almost second nature,” the Vancouver-based writer, activist, and co-founder of Crips for eSims for Gaza tells the Straight over a video call. “It’s sort of a daily ritual.”

SPONSORED BY ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY

The musical worth melting for

Do you want to build a snowman? The Arts Club Theatre Company is bringing the magical land of Arendelle to the Stanley BFL CANADA Stage this holiday season with Disney’s FROZEN, on now until January 4. When Queen Elsa’s hidden powers plunge her kingdom into an eternal winter, it’s up to Princess Anna and her new friends to find her sister and reverse the cold. Filled to the brim with showstopping favourite tunes and enchanting new songs, this tale of true love and sisterhood will warm the hearts of audiences of all ages.

Tickets are on sale from $39, and seats are filling up fast—don’t miss the chance to see this family favourite live!

— ARTS —

Colin Mochrie talks the Beatles, the Talking Heads, and goat’s milk

We put the venerable improviser on the hot seat in our latest What’s in Your Fridge column, and he didn’t disappoint, with takes on David Byrne, Peter Gabriel, and yes, the Beatles.

• I’m Not a Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce is described by its creator as the “funniest tragedy you’ll ever see.”

• Between Breaths dives into the life of a Newfoundland conservationist.

• This weekend! Don't miss the Eastside Culture Crawl, Vancouver's beloved, FREE, open studio event. Visit artists and craftspeople November 20-23 in the Eastside Arts District.*

• Forbidden love ignites in a modern twist on Romeo and Juliet at Studio 58. Gripping, dramatic, unforgettable — November 20-30, 2025. Get your tickets now.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY THE CULTCH

Critically acclaimed comedy, Burnout Paradise, is equal parts celebration, chaos, and cardio!

Get ready to laugh, cheer, and question your life choices at Burnout Paradise! Four performers will mount treadmills, running while tackling to-do list items like cooking pasta, brushing teeth, and filling out grant applications. Will they conquer this grinding schedule? Or is the chaos of modern life unsustainable?

— MUSIC —

Vancouver’s Tei Shi gets ready for a homecoming

Musician Tei Shi lives in L.A. but was raised in Vancouver. As she returns home this week to play the Biltmore, she has been reflecting on the music industry as a whole. “I’ve felt the change and the shift of live music and indie music not being something people are driven to as much,” she says to the Straight. “There’s a lot of instability and uncertainty with people’s economic situations.”

• Blue Jay Valley shows why East Van rules.

• Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover the coworking space that fits your needs. Connect with a WeWork professional today.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY WINTER HARP

Winter Harp — Christmas begins here

Join this world-class ensemble of singers, harps, flute, violin, medieval instruments and percussion for a concert of heartwarming carols and winter stories. The musicians, in rich medieval attire, perform on a stage set with magnificent backdrops of cathedral and snow that will whisk you to a land of pure magic.

— LIVING —

Your Very Vancouver November 2025 horoscopes

Our resident (non-) astrologer Rachel Burns examines whether a trip to the Bloedel Conservatory might spark some change in your life.

• Get stumped by our monthly crossword.

• HubSpot for Startups is giving away gifts, discounts and more, to every founder that is part of our community. Simply sign up to the free HubSpot for Startups program to get immediate access.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• Inside a triumphant first year for Vancouver Rise FC

• PISS turns outrage into an art form

• Scarlet Fever’s debut album rocks

• A Star Wars-themed drag show at the Fox Cabaret

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

FILM: Shih-Ching Tsou's heartwarming solo feature debut, Left-Handed Girl, was co-written and edited by Sean Baker. (November 17-20 @ VIFF Centre)

MUSIC: I’ve heard that black metal band Agriculture grows on you. (November 18 @ Fox Cabaret)

MUSIC: ganavya makes her much-anticipated Vancouver debut. (November 18 @ Chan Centre)

ARTS: Painter8 Arts Society presents The Glass City. (November 18-30 @ 1310 Adanac St.)

THEATRE: Early returns are that Mr. Burns, a post-electric play is excellent. (November 19-December 6 @ Frederic Wood Theatre)

THEATRE: A West Van crew. An East Van gang. It could only be East Van Panto: West Van Story. (November 19-January 4 @ York Theatre)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

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