by Sam Mooney

The Guardsman – presented by Soulpepper Theatre Company – is a romantic comedy. I’m saying this up front because if you only saw the poster on the Soulpepper site you might be expecting something dark and difficult. 

My show partner got stuck in Brampton so I was on my own last night and had to resort to eavesdropping during intermission.  I overheard a few people saying that they were surprised (pleasantly) that the show was a comedy. 

Not a roll in the aisles kind of comedy but funny and poignant, the kind of funny where you sometimes feel a bit embarrassed for the character.

The language was quite flowery but not over the top.  No fake accents, thank goodness.  I loved the way each character was developed, even the minor characters three dimensional.  The usher ‘reminding’ Mother to tip was precious – in the best sense of the word – a small jewel.  As was Mother marking down double the amount in her notebook.

I don’t know whether I’m going to different types of shows lately or if there are more shows with sets. I love both kinds – as long as the set doesn’t overpower the performance.  There was something almost magical last night when the sitting room was transformed into a box at the Opera.

A lovely play, a delightful evening.  Definitely go see The Guardsman.  And if anyone knows why Soulpepper is using that scary poster…

Photo of Albert Schultz and Kristen Thomson by Cylla von Tiedemann

Details:

– The Guardsman is playing at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts (55 Mill St) in the Distillery District until October 245th
– Performances Tuesday through Saturday at 7.30 pm with matinees at 1.30 on Wednesday and Saturday
– Ticket prices range from $28 to $68 and are available online or through the box office at 416.866.8666