And the plot thickens … Reviewed by Sandi Laird & Tori Laird Ship to Shore by well-known Canadian playwright Norm Foster made its maiden voyage on August 19 at Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT). Opening scene – Canadians James Goffman and Erin Walsh are aboard a cruise ship sailing to Ireland. Both characters, who are strangers as the journey sets sail, have personal and poignant reasons for making the trip. And the plot thickens… Ship to Shore is both funny and touching as the characters reveal themselves to the audience and each other. James, well played by Glencoe born, award winning actor and playwright Mark Crawford is awkward, hilarious, and lost in equal measures. He is on his way to pick up his 12-year-old daughter – whom he has not seen in two years – to spend the summer together in Canada. James is writer, a lover of words and at a personal crossroads. Erin, portrayed by Cailin Stadnyk, is enigmatic, fussy, and blunt but accurate in her observations. Stadnyk recently played Beverly the pilot in the Grand Theatre’s 2026 production of Come From Away, a role she had previously in Toronto’s Mirvish production. We learn Erin is on her way to Ireland to settle her father’s estate but purposely missing the actual funeral date. And the plot thickens… Crawford and Stadnyk’s chemistry is strong. As they discover each others’ secrets and vulnerabilities, they transform from actors on stage to intimates the audience is rooting for. Foster’s script includes a few corny jokes but corny can be fun! It also incorporates amusing wordplays, a laugh-out-loud narrative, and curveballs you are not expecting. PSFT’s stage is cozy and the designers are creative in the small space. Credit goes to set designer Emma Burnett for the cruise ship blueprint. Director Liz Gilroy’s ...