All the world’s a stage…but retired actress Joy has stage fright. When son Mitch proposes Christmas dinner with Gini’s rich Shaughnessy family, Joy’s coping strategy threatens to provide anything but comfort.
You can take the actor off the stage but… Joy can’t help seeking attention. Mitch is caught between his mother’s outlandish behaviour and his desire to impress Gini into a relationship. Gini’s image-conscious stepmom Marlie is desperate for a “normal” family celebration, while dad Ted, a forestry baron, is intent on suing Greenpeace. Waiting in the wings is Gini’s twin sister Poey, whose Skype calls are less than merry and bright.
As Marlie downs more eggnog and Joy begins to sense something familiar about Ted, not only the turkey gets taken apart. Social niceties begin to unravel. Could a more comfortable life in Shaughnessy be within Joy’s reach? Does fate play a role in our decisions, or is our behaviour a matter of conscience? Playwright David King brings us comfort and joy while posing some of life’s uncomfortable questions.
The late David King was known as a musician, and a prolific writer for radio, television, film and stage — especially for his award-winning plays The Garage Sale and Life Skills. A more recent work, Comfort and Joy is making its debut with this Mercury Players production under the direction of Mary Louise Phillips.
Warning: occasional strong language and adult themes, but no more offensive than you’ll find on evening TV. Recommended for ages 16+.
Cast: Lisa Read, Callum Hughes, Elizabeth Brimacombe, Debs Howard and Jake Robinson. Mary Louise Phillips directs; producer is Judy Buchanan for the Mercury Players Society.
The Mercury Players Society 