Waiting for a live performance to begin, members of an audience may find themselves examining the set for a good few minutes or so – some invite more curiosity than others. The set-up for Bedside Manners, with its multi-levels and many doors was intriguing and, I thought, a bit disconcerting. A short little bed predominated each side of the set and reminded me of the truncated ones often seen in historic house-museums where they point out that people used to be much shorter. And for the first few minutes of the show, those beds continued to be distracting.

However, once Bedside Manners got into full swing, the unfolding of the evening’s totally fun, farcical, entertainment obliterated that distraction. By the play’s end, one could appreciate just what an impressive job the set-designer and builders had done –  creating in a small space, the bedrooms, hallways, restaurant, foyer, etc. of the seedy country inn that was the backdrop for the outrageous comings and goings of the guests.    

Bedside Manners is a belly-laugh sort of show, a perfect pre-spring pick-me-up. Peter Leack plays the central character of temporary inn-keeper Ferris with remarkable energy and humour.  Often-bewildered, but mainly in-command of the situation, Ferris is opportunistic but compassionate. He shines a light on both the shortcomings and more endearing qualities of each of the other characters as “husbands, wives and lovers in assorted compromising situations” storm from one deceit to another.

The rest of the cast (Harry Edison, Greg Mizon, Andrea Edison and Jayme Cannon) does a fine job of keeping up with Leack’s lead, each maintaining some likeable charm as their less admirable qualities are revealed. Sally (Andrea Edison) becomes steadily more hilarious with each gin & tonic consumed over the course of the evening.

Bedside Manners is a lot of fun, and it’s a play wherein nuances of pacing are sure to become more fine-tuned with each performance, so it is  likely to become increasingly outrageous with each showing.

The cast (Andrea Edison, Greg Mizon, Peter Leack, Harry Edison & Jayme Cannon) enjoys audience approval following the Thursday February 16 preview of Bedside Manners.

Bedside Manners was written by Derek Benfield and is Directed by Barbara Warnock. It continues at the Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre, Feb 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 with Thur – Sat shows at 8pm and Sun show at 2pm. Find out more by calling 519-773-3372 or visiting http://www.aylmertheatre.ca/.   

Several area artists have taken on the challenge of expressing themselves in a small space, for the 16th annual edition of the Portside Gallery’s Miniature Show. Works from the forty one participants demonstrate that a mini work (less than 16 square inches) can possess all the detail, depth, whimsy or majesty that can be portrayed in a larger work. Many of the artists were on hand this past Sunday afternoon (February 5th) at the opening of the February show.

The demon rum? Or the cup that cheers? Canadians have been arguing about alcohol for at least two hundred years! One of two exhibits currently running at the Elgin County Musuem, The Noble Experiment: Temperance & Prohibition in Canada, explores the debate that affected Canadians on every level: from in their own homes to the national and international stages.

Temperance & Prohibition in Canada Quick Timeline & Facts 

1827. The first Canadian Temperance Society was founded in Montreal

1842.  One person in ten was a member of a temperance organization.

1901. PEI goes dry and all of Canada has joined by the end of WWI.

1920s. Prohibition is widespread in Canada but alcohol can still be sold through the government for industrial, scientific, mechanical, artistic and medical uses, and often outside of province. Illegal drinking establishments, known as speakeasies, spring up everywhere. Prescription alcohol use for illness skyrockets.

1930. All of the provinces have gradually re-legalized alcohol, except PEI which remains dry until 1948.