No one probably knows Vancouver theatre better than Bill Millerd and Bernard Cuffling.

They devoted their lives to the stage: Millerd, as a creative force behind the curtain, and Cuffling, as an actor.

Their names are also indelibly linked with the Arts Club, the largest theatre company in Western Canada that started in Vancouver in 1964.

Following the great lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, the company is opening again one of its three stages next month.

For this breakthrough event, Arts Club is bringing together Millerd and Cuffling for a night of fond remembrances on October 3.

“We’re so thrilled to welcome Bill and Bernard back to the Granville Island Stage to relive some of their favourite Arts Club memories,” artistic director Ashlie Corcoran said in a media release.

Millerd is the company’s artistic director emeritus. He joined the Arts Club in 1969 as a stage manager, rose to become artistic managing director in 1972, and remained in the position until 2018.

Cuffling debuted in the Arts Club’s production of My Fat Friend in 1975. He has performed in several shows with the company.

“At a time when we are longing to share the power of theatre with our audience, we are excited to come together once again and dive into the Arts Club’s history,” Corcoran said.

The show An Evening with Bill and Bernard will welcome 50 patrons at the Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston Street). A Q & A follows with the theatre icons. A digital stream will also be made available.

Details: Amy Cornish, events associate, 604-687-5315, extension 279, or acornish@artsclub.com.