The Brighton Barn Theatre’s ‘Leaving Marjorie Bliss’ makes its debut Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. /Photo by John Zerafa
If you’re looking to take in some light-hearted entertainment – while also supporting local arts and heritage – you may want to check out the Brighton Barn Theatre’s fall production of “Leaving Marjorie Bliss” in the picturesque Proctor-Simpson Barn.
Written by John Spurway, directed by Sharron McMann and produced by Lynda Ghent, the comedy makes its debut Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m., with evening and matinee performances continuing on select dates through to Oct. 11.
Rob Davidson is among the cast working to bring the show to life for several months now.
“I play ‘Reggie’ – he’s the only male that we see in the play … and he’s kind of the catalyst of a few plot points in the play,” shares Davidson.
According to the Brighton Barn Theatre show description, the production centres on friends “Edythe, Audrey and Maxine” – they’re all residents of the Majorie Bliss Retirement Home but soon find it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Davidson’s character is described as “a handsome widower” who gets thrown into the mix, making for a touching – and hilarious – comedy about friendship and family.
Davidson tells us more.
“They don’t like the food, they don’t like the furnace, they don’t like the air conditioning, they don’t like the decorations,” continues Davidson.
Simply put, they can’t just pack up and walk out, so they’re “plotting” their escape.
For Davidson, what he says he liked most about the play was how it tackles the hard issues many are facing when it comes to caring for the aging population, including parents and loved ones, but in an incredibly funny way.
And he has high praise for the artists he’s sharing the stage with.
This translates to fun for the audience, too, adds Davidson.
The Brighton Barn Theatre also provides financial support for the Save Our Heritage Organization, which is described as a charitable organization dedicated to restoring and maintaining the historic Proctor House Museum. The barn is also part museum housing period displays downstairs.
It takes a lot of upkeep and a lot of volunteer hours to keep it all running, notes Davidson.
“Leaving Marjorie Bliss” is back for evening performances on Saturday, Sept. 27, and Oct. 2, 3, 9 and 10, and matinee performances (at 2:30 p.m.) on Sunday, Sept. 28, and Oct. 4, 5 and 11.
More information is available online and tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling 613-475-2144.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
