Pulitzer Prize-winning words and heartfelt story

Reviewed by Tori Laird
Primary Trust is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by Eboni Booth. It is playing at the Grand Theatre in London, ON until February 7. A 90-minute show with no intermission, it features a small cast and a minimal set, and while the story is relatively simple, it packs an emotional punch. 

Kenneth introduces himself directly to the audience to kick off the show, and we learn about his bookstore job, happy hour maitais at his favourite tiki bar, and his best friend Bert. When his boss at the bookstore decides to sell and move to Arizona, Kenneth needs to find a new job, which leads him to step outside his comfort zone by trying new things and meeting new people. We learn an important truth about Bert that illustrates Kenneth’s story. Kenneth meets a new boss and a waitress that help him come out of his shell as he’s still grappling with the emotional trauma of his mother’s death decades earlier.This tale was a bit dark, dealing with themes of grief, alcoholism and mental health, but ultimately it was a thought-provoking story with a hopeful conclusion. This is a minimalist show with tons of heart. The set shows one street in Kenneth’s town of Cranberry, but with a few quick changes it becomes the bookstore, the bar, the bank, and more. Sound and lighting effects chime to indicate a change in time or emotion. 

Only five actors play the dozens of characters that cross the stage, with strong characterization and various accents brought to life, even for one line. Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah as Corrina was excellent. She was able to portray a potential new friend with warmth, humour and empathy that could be felt across the stage. This show is a wonderful opportunity for Londoners to see a Pulitzer-prize winning script brought to life by talented local actors and theatre artists recruited from across Canada.

Primary Trust continues at the Grand Theatre, London until February 7. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593 or visit www.grandtheatre.com 

Photo: Durae McFarlane as Kenneth and Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah as Corrina. Photo by Dahlia Katz.

Primary Trust
By Eboni Booth
Directed by Cherissa Richards
Performed by Peter N. Bailey, Ryan Hollyman, Lawrence Libor, Durae McFarlaneand Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah
Spriet Stage, Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario
January 20 to February 7, 2026
Reviewed by Tori Laird