For Greg and Oonaugh Wood, working together on stage is more than a career – it’s a calling. The couple behind Comedy Illusions of Greg Wood have been delighting audiences for over 30 years with a unique blend of magic, comedy, and faith-based entertainment.
"It's a true delight. It's God-destined," says Oonaugh. "This has been over 30 years, 24/7, and we get along really well. We really work well together."
Their act, part of Evangelistic Entertainment, has evolved over the decades, with Oonaugh recently returning to the stage as Greg’s comedic counterpart. "It can be scary because I don't know sometimes what she's going to come up with," Greg jokes. "When I fall over laughing on stage because my wife's funnier than I am, it's even funnier for the audience."
Fringe Festival with a twist
This year, the duo is bringing their family-friendly show to the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. Their venue is Théâtre Cercle Molière at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain in St. Boniface. Find his full Fringe schedule here.
Unlike many Fringe offerings, their show is clean and suitable for all ages. "You don't need to be crude to be funny," says Greg. "We're not crude in any way. No one gets embarrassed – except me sometimes, but that's part of the act."
Adding to the family element, two of their teenage granddaughters are joining the performance. "We're really blessed," says Oonaugh. "They’re so excited to get into the show. It truly is a family affair."
A platform for faith
Beyond the laughs and illusions, the Woods use their platform to share their Christian faith. Greg, who discovered both Christianity and stage magic in his early 30s, integrates messages of hope and belief into their shows.
"We offer a full package for churches, with training sessions on how to share your faith through personal stories," Greg explains.
Their approach often involves returning to a church after several months to stage an outreach event, using entertainment to break down barriers. "When people are laughing, their guard is down," he says. "That's when we tell them Jesus loves them."
From Winkler to the world
The couple started their entertainment ministry in the Winkler-Morden area and have since performed across Canada and internationally, from Hong Kong to Brazil. Despite the global reach, their focus remains on community, connection, and sharing joy.
"We’ve presented the gospel all over the world," says Greg. "But some of our favourite moments are at family fun days right here at home."
Booking and beyond
Interested organizers can reach them through their website, evangelisticentertainment.com, or by emailing comedyillusions@gmail.com. Greg prefers a phone call over endless emails – a nod to his old-school charm.
"One phone call can save 28 emails," he laughs.
As Christmas approaches, Greg also offers seasonal shows that help Christian business owners express their faith through corporate events. "We make it easier for them to show what they believe," he says.
Whether performing illusions, sharing their testimony, or simply making audiences laugh, Greg and Oonaugh Wood bring heart, humour, and hope to every stage they set foot on.