Fundraiser for Beach Metro News with Thomas Craig of Murdoch Mysteries set for Dec. 1 at Balmy Beach Club
By JESSICA SHACKLETON
On Monday, Dec. 1, the Balmy Beach Club is hosting a fundraiser for Beach Metro Community News with Beacher and actor Thomas Craig, who plays Inspector Brackenreid on the popular CBC television series Murdoch Mysteries.
This is the second holiday fundraiser for Beach Metro with Craig, after last year’s event was a smash hit.
This year’s event will feature a showing of the Murdoch Mysteries Holiday Episode, trivia about the show and other fun activities. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by trivia at 7 p.m. and the screening of the holiday episode starting at 7:30 p.m. followed by a question-and-answer session. Menus will be available starting at 5:30 p.m.
Beach Metro caught up with Craig at the club ahead of the fundraiser.
“It’s a different episode we’re showing, there will be different guests here, but it was a really fun event last year,” he said. “I’m fun, I’m a good host.”
Along with Craig, some other special guests at the Dec. 1 fundraiser will be Shanice Banton, who plays Violet Hart, the holiday episode’s director Katie Boland, and Gail Harvey, another director.
Before the screening of the 2025 holiday episode, there will be a trivia session hosted by QuizMaster Mike McLaughlin. Along with Murdoch Mysteries trivia, there will be categories such as Toronto, mysteries, and Christmas.
Craig hasn’t seen this year’s holiday episode; the actors don’t get to watch episodes before they air, but he could tell us a bit about what to expect, including a special guest.
“We’ve got Steven Page from the Barenaked Ladies, he wrote a song especially for Murdoch, a Christmas song,” said Craig. “He’s in it playing Steven Page, and he sings a song at the end. It’s quite a good song.”
Murdoch Mysteries has been on television since 2008. Filming of Season 19 wraps in December, and the rest of the 21-episode season will air in the new year.
Production recently moved studios from Scarborough to Etobicoke. That move suggests that the series will keep going, something Craig is looking forward to, both to reach a milestone 20 seasons and be in Toronto for the World Cup.
Murdoch Mysteries known for its legendary run of guest stars and historical crossovers.
“There’s a good episode on Monday night (Nov. 17) with an actress from Coronation Street, Sally Lindsay, who I worked with years ago,” he said.
As for why people should attend the Dec.1 event in benefit of Beach Metro Community News, here’s what Craig had to say.
“I love the local newspaper. I always used to have one in my back pocket when I was in drama school. You can always get it online, but physical is so good,” he said.
Dec. 1 will be an evening of holiday fun and conversation, all in support of your community newspaper. As part of the fundraiser, a silent auction with terrific tickets and prizes will also be held that night. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season!
Tickets are $65 and the price includes a donation, event admission, and one specialty cocktail. To purchase, please call the Balmy Beach Club at 416-691-9962 ext. 5.
