And the plot thickens …
Reviewed by Sandi Laird & Tori Laird
Ship to Shore by well-known Canadian playwright Norm Foster made its maiden voyage on August 19 at Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT). Opening scene – Canadians James Goffman and Erin Walsh are aboard a cruise ship sailing to Ireland. Both characters, who are strangers as the journey sets sail, have personal and poignant reasons for making the trip. And the plot thickens…
Ship to Shore is both funny and touching as the characters reveal themselves to the audience and each other. James, well played by Glencoe born, award winning actor and playwright Mark Crawford is awkward, hilarious, and lost in equal measures. He is on his way to pick up his 12-year-old daughter – whom he has not seen in two years – to spend the summer together in Canada. James is writer, a lover of words and at a personal crossroads. Erin, portrayed by Cailin Stadnyk, is enigmatic, fussy, and blunt but accurate in her observations. Stadnyk recently played Beverly the pilot in the Grand Theatre’s 2026 production of Come From Away, a role she had previously in Toronto’s Mirvish production. We learn Erin is on her way to Ireland to settle her father’s estate but purposely missing the actual funeral date. And the plot thickens…
Crawford and Stadnyk’s chemistry is strong. As they discover each others’ secrets and vulnerabilities, they transform from actors on stage to intimates the audience is rooting for. Foster’s script includes a few corny jokes but corny can be fun! It also incorporates amusing wordplays, a laugh-out-loud narrative, and curveballs you are not expecting.
PSFT’s stage is cozy and the designers are creative in the small space. Credit goes to set designer Emma Burnett for the cruise ship blueprint. Director Liz Gilroy’s vision keeps the story and actors on track, the audience laughing and reveals a bit more during each scene, but never too much!
Before this ship even weighed anchor, PSFT extended the Ship to Shore run by a week thanks to positive buzz from Port Stanley and area patrons. Ladies and gentlemen, your cruise leaves for Ireland from the Port Stanley Festival Theatre evenings and afternoons until September 12. The show runs a little over two hours with intermission. Check psft.ca for specifics.
PSFT is offering two ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted performances this season during SHIP TO SHORE: Saturday August 29 at 2pm and 7:30pm.
Ship to Shore continues at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre until September 12, 2026. Tickets are available at the box office at 519-782-4353 or visit psft.ca
Photos: The cast of Ship to Shore: Mark Crawford and Cailin Stadnyk. First photo is their initial look on the deck. Second photo is “rock and roll” night – this is a cruise ship after all!
Ship to Shore
By Norm Foster
Directed by Artistic Director Liz Gilroy
Performed by Mark Crawford and Cailin Stadnyk
Stage managed Jory McLean
Set Design by Emma Burnett
Lighting Design by Karen Crichton
Costume Design by Alex Amini
Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 6-302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley, ON
Aug. 19 to Sept. 12, 2026
Reviewed by Sandi Laird & Tori Laird