Article provided by Outerbridge Magic PR
Illusionists Ted and Marion Outerbridge will return to the Ottawa Little Theatre from Jan. 2-5 with their all-ages magic show, Mysteries of the Keyhole House.
At the heart of the performance lies the enchanting Keyhole House—a storied Victorian gem in the Ottawa Valley that chose Ted and Marion as its guardians. This historic home, rescued from deterioration, revealed its secrets as the couple lovingly restored it. Behind its creaking floors and faded walls, treasures emerged: skeleton keys, yellowed photographs, magazines, and even a 1918 golf ball—all whispering tales of the past.
But the house had more in store. Viral videos of its history captivated millions, making headlines across CTV National News, NBC, and TVO documentaries. Among these stories was the revelation that there was a connection with two Canadian Prime Ministers (King, Laurier), and golfer Brooke Henderson’s grandparents shared a 54-year connection to the Keyhole House.
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Inspired by these discoveries, Ted and Marion created Mysteries of the Keyhole House, a spellbinding mix of illusion, storytelling, theatre, and dance. Audiences are transported through time, where magic and history breathe life into the other.
The story began when a chance online listing led the couple to the house’s grand keyhole arch—a portal to its otherworldly charm. Ignoring skeptics, they moved in on a cold November day, only to be greeted by mysterious phenomena. That very night, Ted awoke to a friendly, glowing figure at the foot of the bed, believed to be the spirit of one of the home’s first owners. Audiences will join in on the journey of determining who this friendly ghost is.
The house continued its magical connection: a hidden book featuring a character named Ted; a forgotten set of skeleton keys dating to 1892; and a doorbell that began ringing after decades of silence. Even a lantern gifted to the house was revealed to have belonged to its original architect.
Through Ted’s meticulous research and viral storytelling, the lives of past residents have come alive. Among them is WWI veteran John Briggs, whose unmarked grave will soon bear a military stone thanks to Ted’s efforts. The neglected tomb of the mystery ghost was also restored, ensuring her legacy endures.
Mysteries of the Keyhole House is more than a magic show—it’s a celebration of history, community, and the unseen threads connecting us. Witness the Outerbridges’ breathtaking illusions and be part of a story where the past dances with the present, and reality intertwines with enchantment.
To ring in the new year, the Outerbridges are offering apt613 readers 40 complimentary tickets. Please write to Lisa Weitz, who is handling the contest at lw@lwcommunications.ca no later than Dec. 9. Provide your name, date/show time you would like and your email address (e-tickets will be sent via Eventbrite). All entries will be printed out and shuffled, with a random selection of 40 winners who will be contacted on date/time.
More information or tickets can be found here.
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