Originally published in Northumberland News.

Gifted Canadian playwright Norm Foster has had more than 50 plays produced on professional stages by theatre groups across North America and as far away as Canberra, Australia.

And now, thanks to the Northumberland Players, we have one in Cobourg at the Best Western.

Foster’s plays are known for their humour and insight into the everyday tribulations of life. “Hilda’s Yard” is no exception. It takes us back to 1956 and features an ordinary family: Hilda (Carol Beauchamp), Sam (Jack Boyagian) and their two kids Janey (Lauren Murphy) and Gary (Shawn Dubeau). Their last name is Fluck. No, it’s not a typo: Hilda, Sam, Janey and Gary Fluck. (Hilda has a north of England accent so her Fluck comes out as Flook.)

It’s an exciting new life for Hilda and Sam. Newly on their own since their 30-something children Gary and Janey moved out, they are finally ready to relax. The play opens with Hilda hanging her laundry in the garden, at the same time telling her neighbour her and Sam’s plans for the future.

Meanwhile, Sam takes time off work to go into town to buy a new TV set, their very first. What could disturb their long-awaited and much-anticipated plans?

Their kids, of course. All of a sudden — one after the other — both kids return. Gary has lost his job, is enamoured with his new girlfriend, Bobbi (Jen Batler) and is running from a bookie named Beverly (Jim McLaughlin).

Meanwhile, Janey has unexpectedly left her fairly new husband. Janey and Gary announce that they have moved back home.

Sam and Hilda were so happy to be empty nesters and had been planning on starting to live their own lives. But, that doesn’t seem to be happening.

As producer/director Cyndi Langford says in her program notes, “Foster delves into the complexity of family relationships, domestic violence, post-traumatic stress and mental health.”

This is a poignant look at how family dynamics don’t really change much over the years. The perfect story for post-pandemic times.

Northumberland Players have done it again. This remarkably astute and very funny Foster play is superbly acted, brilliantly directed and, as usual, put together from casting to costumes to lighting and a perfect set by a team of volunteers, who, in my book, all deserve awards.

“Hilda’s Yard” is on until Feb. 5 and tickets are $68. Call 905-372-2105 to reserve your dinner theatre seat or stop by the Best Western front desk.

I’m still giggling over some of the very funny bits.

Selena Forsyth, Northumberland News