No Place Like Home

Reviewed by Debbie McClure

Justin Shaw was like so many small-town young men who just wanted to escape home and explore the big, wide world. Having grown up on a horse farm in Prince Edward Island, getting off-island and becoming an actor had been Justin’s greatest dream. After gaining his father’s approval, he sets off to make his mark on the big stage. Unfortunately, life and fate have other plans, and as Justin discovers, the life of an actor is never easy, but discovery and fame are always just around the next corner. From Fort McMurray to Hamilton, Ontario, Justin’s journey unfolds with wit, East Coast wisdom, and life lessons most of us have to learn along the way.

Now on stage at the Blyth Festival, the world premiere of Off-Island Odyssey is a one-man that takes the audience along on a journey of discovery with the solo performer, Justin Shaw. Justin’s narrative, timing, facial expressions, and body language are impeccable as he has the audience chuckling and at times, roaring with laughter. A light-hearted romp through the years he endured as a struggling Canadian actor delights and entertains. What Justin discovers is that he can leave the island, but the island never leaves him. Home really is where the heart is, and gaining his father’s approval was always at the core of what drove Justin to seek the bright lights and fame. It’s a lesson many of us have already learned; there’s no place like home, and family really do matter most.

Written and performed by Justin Shaw, Off-Island Odyssey is a must-see if you enjoy stand-up comedy-style performances ripe with one-liners and quick wit. This is a great storyline that unfolds through a series of snapshots of life through the eyes of a young man who yearns to set himself apart from his home and family on the small maritime island of P.E.I. Despite his determination to build a life and career in show business off-island, Justin discovers that life sometimes brings you back around to right where you need to be. After all, there’s no place like home, and family really does matter.

Off-Island Odyssey runs at the Margaret Stephens Stage from August 2nd to 30th. Tickets are available at 519-523-9300 / 1-877-862-5984 or go to https://blythfestival.com/

Photo: Justin Shaw in his own show, Off-Island Odyssey. Photo by Alex Franklin.

Off-Island Odyssey
Written and performed by Justin Shaw
Blyth Festival, Margaret Stephens Stage. 423 Queen Street, Blyth, Ontario
August 2 to 30, 2026
Reviewed by Debbie McClure