The first Norm Foster play I saw was The Melville Boys. What impressed me was the way Foster could make us laugh while dealing with a serious theme like cancer and the bond between two brothers. I was hooked.

Foster is Canada’s most prolific writer with over 60 plays and his popularity is second to none in Canada. I think his appeal is due to his ability to make you laugh with his great one liners and situational comedy, popularized by television situation comedies.

There is something familiar about his comedic timing and yet he always has something that makes you think about some aspect of life. But his gift is to never linger on the heavy theme for longer than a page. The result is a great evening of entertainment with some thought provoking scenes. It works.

I have directed several of Foster’s plays, but this is the first time I have acted in one. For the actor it allows you to be funny and have some dramatic acting scenes followed again by the release of tension through another punchline or physical humour. He has mastered the set up and punchline formula through fast paced interaction. Foster knows how to give the actors the tools to take the audience for an emotional ride. 

Hilda’s Yard is one of his new plays and it checks off all the boxes for the actor and the audience. “Would you like me to go out and come back in again?” and “I know. The Flying Flucks.” These are two of the punchlines in Hilda’s yard. You’ll have to come and see the play to see the set up of the jokes!

Hilda’s Yard plays at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre January 20 – February 5, 2023. Get tickets by calling (905) 372-2105. $68 includes a three-course dinner and the show!