Grand Horizons is a poignant, riotously funny portrayal of a family in crisis, after matriarch Nancy (Linda Morgan) reveals she wants to divorce Bill (Eddie Bruce), her husband of 50 years. While Bill’s initial reaction to Nancy’s news reads as indifference, their adult sons Ben (Erik de Wit) and Brian (Tyson Hargreaves) are blindsided by the revelation; Filled with misguided good intentions, they flock to their parent’s to try and restore order, with Ben’s heavily pregnant, therapist wife Jess (Catherine Sturk) in tow. What unfolds is a superbly written and identifiable comedy, amusingly confronting life’s uncomfortable truths.
Themes include ‘Grey Divorce’ as a cultural phenomenon, canvassing mature-aged characters as authentic, entertaining protagonists – rather than being resigned to ‘bit-parts’, presented as dementia-stricken tropes, or shamefully overlooked altogether. Further, there is a feminist undercurrent which is impactful without being alienating, in addition to interesting inter-generational observations and comparisons, revealing both progress and perpetuation regarding expected gender and familial roles.
Linda Morgan shines as Nancy, contrasting physically and emotionally between the resigned, unsatisfied woman she has become, the hopeful Nancy – turning her focus to what could be, and the nostalgic Nancy – reminiscing of another love, which was not meant to be.
Playing Bill, Eddie Bruce can really deliver a comedic line; Grand Horizons provides him with plenty of material to chew on in that respect. Bruce also plays his character’s introspection and inarticulation in a way that feels very authentic for man of his generation – caring and dutiful in his own way, but somewhat oblivious to emotional cues and uncomfortable sharing how he really feels.
De Wit, Hargreaves and Sturk each take command of their respective characters, showing both nuance and good connection with the script, while Gillian Simpson as Carla and Matthew Ginman as Tommy both turn in hilarious cameo appearances; Simpson’s deadpan as her retirement-aged character describes a certain plain-packaged, online purchase is priceless. Ginman gets to deliver some of the funniest lines in the entire play, and wows with the tone and timing of his delivery. The set design is another highlight to note, and you must wait to appreciate it fully.
In conclusion, Grand Horizons is a polished comedy asking thoughtful questions without providing every answer. The slick performances, timing and staging are a testament to the hard work of the cast, Director Phil Carney and his team of Creatives (John Stibbard, Jan Read, Rob Crook). A smart, well-paced and thought-provoking play – well worth the watch.
To book tickets to Grand Horizons, please visit https://nashtheatre.com/play-2-2025/
