Phantom Poets Touring Theatre Company of Canada was established in February of 2004 by founder John Nolan. The mandate of the Company is to produce live theatrical entertainment of humanitarian content. Phantom Poets presents entertaining and enlightening full-length productions featuring the lives of two humanitarian icons: a Canadian, Tommy Douglas, and an American, Clarence Darrow.

JOHN NOLAN is an award-winning, multi-talented theatre professional. He is an Actor, Director, Instructor, Playwright, Dramaturge and Stage Manager of more than 30 years in the entertainment, hospitality and media industries. Mr. Nolan has received critical acclaim on the national stage of Canada. His theatre students are working in the entertainment profession in Britain, the United States and Canada.

Founder/Artistic Director – Phantom Poets Theatre Company of Canada
Actor, Director, Instructor – Theatre BC Professional Talent Bank
Screen credits: The Grey Fox, The X-Files, The Sentinel
Resident Actor, Director, Instructor – Chemainus Theatre Company
Founder/Producing Director – DreamScape Theatre, Nanaimo, BC

For more information about Phantom Poets Theatre Company of Canada please visit: www.phantompoets.com

Tommy Douglas: Arrows of Desire

Tommy Douglas: Arrows of Desire was 18 years in creation and is a theatrical tribute to the memory of a man. This man was not only ahead of his own time, but antiquity will confirm that humanity has yet to evolve at least another century before realizing the humanitarian vision of Mr. Douglas. Tommy Douglas belongs to the ages. His undaunted dedication and self-sacrifice to the people of Canada is legendary.

Most Canadians under 50 seem to know little or nothing about Douglas. They take their medical card for granted, assuming that every human has one. But Douglas was much more than the Father of Medicare, and Tommy Douglas: Arrows of Desire brings the depth and breadth of the Douglas phenomenon to light and life.

Tommy Douglas: Arrows of Desire is presented in a one-person format, fitting well with the fact that Tommy Douglas was a great statesman, humourist and storyteller. It is the only definitive, full-length dramatic biography of the man, and its provocative and honest nature is true to the Douglas legacy. Tommy Douglas: Arrows of Desire is a sincere tribute to one of the greatest Canadians and a vibrant theatrical event.

The world premiere of Tommy Douglas: Arrows of Desire was held in Douglas’ former home of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, on the anniversary of his 100th birthday on October 20, 2004. This Phantom Poets Theatre Company production has been officially recognized as a Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 event.

“John Nolan brings Tommy Douglas alive again. In words, intonation, stories and passion Nolan recreates the magic of Tommy” Alan Blakeney

“I marvel at the brilliant characterization of Tommy Douglas delivered at a level beyond any I have ever had the pleasure to witness.” Premier Lorne Calvert

Clarence Darrow

Featuring John Nolan

CLARENCE DARROW, by David W. Rintel, brings to life the legendary American lawyer and humanitarian Clarence Darrow. This one-person play follows his rise from the age of eight in Ohio with little education to the twilight of his illustrious career. It shows his work in the courtroom, his agonizing over the oppression of early labour leaders, blacks, and victimized and poorly-paid workers. John Nolan’s riveting performance gets inside this famous lawyer and rejoices in his victories and laments his losses – an inside look at a long career devoted to assisting the poor, the disadvantaged and the oppressed.

“John, your facial expressions and your stage presence were pure genius. You were Darrow.” Leith Boulter, Victoria Times Columnist

“How good was Nolan? He seemed as good in the role as anyone we’ve seen perform on stage…anywhere.” Al Hooper, Nanaimo Times