2024 - Hilda's Yard

County Towne Players are proud to present Hilda's Yard. Gifted Canadian playwright Norm Foster has had more than 50 plays produced on professional stages by theatre groups across North America and as far away as Canberra, Australia. Foster’s plays are known for their humour and insight into the everyday tribulations of life. “Hilda’s Yard” is no exception. It takes us back to 1956 and features an ordinary family: Hilda, Sam and their two kids Janey and Gary. Their last name is Fluck. No, it’s not a typo: Hilda, Sam, Janey and Gary Fluck.

It’s an exciting new life for Hilda and Sam. Newly on their own since their 30-something children Gary and Janey moved out, they are finally ready to relax. The play opens with Hilda hanging her laundry in the garden, at the same time telling her neighbour her and Sam’s plans for the future. Meanwhile, Sam takes time off work to go into town to buy a new TV set, their very first. What could disturb their long-awaited and much anticipated plans? - Their kids, of course.

All of a sudden — one after the other — both kids return. Gary has lost his job, is enamoured with his new girlfriend, Bobbi and is running from a bookie named Beverly. Meanwhile, Janey has unexpectedly left her fairly new husband. Janey and Gary announce that they have moved back home.Sam and Hilda were so happy to be empty nesters and had been planning on starting to live their own lives. But, that doesn’t seem to be happening.

This is a poignant look at how family dynamics don’t really change much over the years.