“Meet-Serious” or “Meet-Cute”?

Reviewed by Mary Alderson

Beyond the Sea, written by Kristen Da Silva, is an enticing play, both heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time. It’s about love and grief and a promising friendship. While there are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the show, you will also find yourself wiping at tears of sadness.

Now on stage at the Globus Theatre, just south of Bobcaygeon, this endearing play is presented by Sarah Quick and James Barrett. Not only are they talented actors, Sarah is the Artistic Director and James is the Artistic Producer, both at the Globus. But what really makes this production special is that they are a couple in real life.

If you’ve been attending shows at summer theatre across Ontario, then you should probably know the name Kristen Da Silva. Her plays are becoming increasingly popular: as well as Beyond the Sea, you can read reviews of Hurry Hard, Where You Are, Sugar Road, and Sisters of ’78 on this website, all penned by Da Silva.

Love and loss are woven skillfully together in this endearing play. Gwen (Quick) and Theo (Barrett) are thrown together for an afternoon which just might turn out to be life changing. Gwen is under-employed, selling tickets on the dock for a “Ghost Boat Cruise”. She dresses in costume and yells out lines from the ghost story, standing on the dock, for the entertainment of the passengers on the ghost boat, which circles out in the water. Theo arrives planning to meet his blind date and take her on the cruise, but she’s late and he misses the boarding. Soon we learn he has been stood up. Gwen and Theo start up a conversation, with the two trading barbs and clever quips.

Eventually Gwen reveals that she is mourning the death of her late husband. Despite what she says, she hasn’t handled her grief very well. Theo is also grieving his divorce and the loss of what was initially a good relationship. They share some rather personal stories, based on the assumption they will never see each other again.

Beyond the Sea is well written, filled with clever dialogue and recognizable personalities. Quick and Barrett bring those characters to life, providing a full range of emotions. We laugh, we cry, but more importantly we learn about relationships, new and old. This sweet story presented by these brilliant actors who draw you into their emotional journey, is a must-see. It will charm you, no matter your age or where you are when it comes to relationships.

Dinner Theatre:  Don’t forget the Globus’s delicious dinners served before show time. Always includes appetizers, main course and dessert and vegetarian options. I can recommend crisp Caesar salad, and pork tenderloin with apple & shallot confit. My husband had carrot-coriander soup, and beef cannelloni. For dessert we both chose the chocolate mousse which was to die for!

Beyond the Sea continues at the Globus Theatre near Bobcaygeon, until August 29. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 705-738-2037 or 1-800-304-7897 or visit https://www.globustheatre.com/current-season

Photo: Sarah Quick as Gwen and James Barrett as Theo in Beyond the Sea.

Beyond the Sea
By Kristen Da Silva
Directed by James Barrett
Performed by James Barrett and Sarah Quick
Globus Theatre, Bobcaygeon
August 19 to 29, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson