Photo credit: Shutter Studios- Left to Right: Claire Jullien, Caitlin Driscoll, Darren Keay and Tyrone Savage
You know those instances where you find yourself chuckling politely at someone’s attempt at a joke? That certainly wasn’t the case while watching The Long Weekend, which had the Port Stanley Festival Theatre audience laughing out loud from beginning to end.
Written by Norm Foster and directed by Liz Gilroy, this relationship comedy follows two married couples, Max and Wynn and Abby and Roger, brought together for a weekend that quickly becomes anything but relaxing. Packed with witty banter, awkward encounters, and plenty of surprises, the production proves why Foster remains one of Canada’s most beloved playwrights.
The best comparison I can make is that watching The Long Weekend felt like watching a classic sitcom — in the best possible way.
From the opening scenes, the chemistry between the four performers is evident. Tyrone Savage (Max), Claire Jullien (Abby), Caitlin Driscoll (Wynn), and Darren Keay (Roger) bring a natural rhythm to the dialogue that makes every joke land. In my opinion, comedy on stage can sometimes feel forced or overly exaggerated, but that never happens here. The cast’s timing is impeccable, allowing the humour to emerge naturally from both the script and the characters themselves.
The audience reaction only reinforced that point. Throughout the performance, laughter rippled through the theatre almost continuously. Whether it was a sharp one-liner, a perfectly timed reaction, or an uncomfortable revelation, the cast consistently found ways to keep the audience engaged and entertained.
While the comedy drives the production, the show’s technical elements deserve recognition as well.
The set is among the most effective I have seen at Port Stanley Festival Theatre. While not overly elaborate, it transforms the stage into a “vacation home” style living room that feels authentic. The strategic use of multiple doors, entrances, exits, and a staircase gives the actors plenty of opportunities for movement and creates the sort of dynamic staging that helps elevate the humour. At times, it genuinely feels as though the audience is peering into someone’s home and witnessing the chaos unfold in real time.
Without giving away any of the play’s many twists and revelations, The Long Weekend succeeds because it balances sharp comedy with recognizable relationship dynamics that everyone can relate to in one way or another. Norm Foster said it best: “Audience members might recognize these characters within themselves or the people they know.”
The Long Weekend is on at Port Stanley Festival Theatre through July 4th, and I encourage anyone needing a laugh to take in this production. Tickets can be purchased at PSFT.ca.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
Please note that the views expressed in this piece are based on my own experience and opinion.
