What Happens When the Person
You’re Looking After is No Longer
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
Community caregivers and personal support workers are unsung, underpaid heroes. They look after the elderly, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid nursing homes. They do the dirty work that no one else wants to do. In some cases, they are the only link to the outside world that the aging person has. The comedy, Fly Me to the Moon, currently on stage at the Globus Theatre is a something of a tribute to those workers.
On the other hand, it isn’t an all-fun-and-games comedy. It also has a very dark side, with a look at the not-so-pleasant parts of a community care worker’s life.
Francis and Loretta are two caregivers, looking after an elderly gentleman named Davey who is a big Sinatra fan, hence the name of the play, Fly Me to the Man, one of Davey’s favourite Sinatra hits. Unfortunately, after Francis helps him to the bathroom, he dies.
“I could be arrested for theft, fraud, and murder and it’s not even four o’clock,” Loretta says, as a comedy of errors and bad judgement ensues. No more can be said without spoiling the story.
The play is set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and presented entirely with charming Irish accents, of course. The playwright herself, Marie Jones, is based in Belfast. What struck me is the fact that the life of personal support worker, whether across the ocean in Ireland or here in Canada, is decidedly the same. Anyone who knows such workers will enjoy the humour of recognition.
The set is obviously the bedroom of an elderly person. Out of sight beyond the bedroom door is the bathroom where the two caregivers are calling out to Davey, asking him to tell them he is ready for them to assist him. Again, the audience has that feeling of recognition – this Irish home looks just the same as your grandma’s home.
The two cast members – Sarah Evans and Melee Hutton – are excellent. Evans is perfect as Loretta, trying to make ends meet in tough times, showing her heartfelt concern for her unemployed husband and his efforts to make money appearing on game shows. When cracks start appearing in the scheme the two women hatch, Evan’s portrayal of Loretta flying into a panic adds to the comedy. Evans is originally from Wales, and has acted at the Welsh National Theatre, as well as Canada’s Stratford Festival, and many others.
Hutton plays Francis, winning over the audience early on with her sincerity about her son’s great business acumen selling illegal copies of DVDs. Hutton was born in Belfast and trained as an actor at both the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and York University.
A line in the program that says “Features a fair bit of colourful language – but in a lovely accent!” is absolutely true. While it might take a couple of minutes to attune your ear to the Irish accents, they are absolutely delightful.
Together, the two women give us a pair of Irish co-workers who have a fascinating relationship. Credit goes to director Sarah Quick, as well as the two actors, for letting the audience see and feel this bond. The result is an excellent evening of laughs created by hilarious dialogue and dark humour.
Fly Me to the Moon continues at the Globus Theatre, Bobcaygeon, until August 15. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 705-738-2037 or 1-800-304-7897 or visit https://www.globustheatre.com/
Photo: Melee Hutton as Francis and Sarah Evans as Loretta as the two community caregivers. Photo by Rebecca Anne Bloom.
Fly Me to the Moon
By Marie Jones
Directed by Sarah Quick
Performed by Sarah Evans and Melee Hutton
The Globus Theatre, Bobcaygeon
August 5 to 15, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson