Glenbrook Players: Arsenic and Old Lace -Review by Sherene B. Mitchell

Once again the Glenbrook Players have proven their flair for community theatre with their delightful and wickedly funny production of Joseph Kesselring’s 1939 play Arsenic and Old Lace.

The direction of Robyn and Alan Pope was confident and imaginative, allowing the cast to shine while maintaining a brisk pace, bringing this classic dark comedy to life with warmth, wit, and a perfect balance of charm and chaos.

Margaret Bell (Aunt Abby) brought a lovely warmth and twinkle to the role, perfectly balancing sweetness with eccentricity while Sandy Moffat (Aunt Martha) complemented her beautifully, offering a calm grace that made their deadly deeds all the more deliciously funny. Ashley Benson (Mortimer) shone, carrying the chaos with impeccable comedic timing and expressive energy, anchoring the production with wit and charisma.

Caleb Marshall (Jonathan) brought just the right amount of menace and dark humour to the role, while Simon Lenthen (Dr. Einstein) provided wonderful moments of nervous charm and physical comedy. Mitchell Rist (Teddy) was an audience favourite, bursting with enthusiasm and endearing bravado. Performances from Lisa Hardwidge (Elaine), Joshua Stojanovic (Officer O’Hara), Geoff Hacker  (Lieutenant Rooney), Geoffrey MacPherson (Rev Dr Harper and Mr Witherspoon) and John Forbes (Mr Gibbs) added strong character work and vibrant energy throughout.

The production design was equally impressive. The set design perfectly captured the Brewster home — richly detailed, atmospheric, and practical for the many comings and goings. Costume design reflected each character’s personality beautifully, enhancing both period authenticity and comic flair. The lighting and sound design were polished and purposeful, creating tension and highlighting the play’s shifts between farce and suspense with finesse.

Glenbrook Players’ Arsenic and Old Lace was a triumph of community theatre — funny, fast-paced, and full of heart. The entire company’s dedication and teamwork were evident in every moment, leaving audiences laughing long after the curtain fell. This is a great show for those with a wicked sense of humour and those who have often thought, ‘what goes best with elderberry wine?’