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Family values clash in the South Simcoe Theatre’s production of ‘Having Hope At Home’

March 6, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Every family is a little different.

Some families support each other whether right or wrong, however, others can’t seem to ever get along.

In The South Simcoe Theatre’s production of Having Hope At Home, a young couple makes a decision which they know will clash with the woman’s family values.

Written by David S. Craig, produced by Nancy Chapple Smokler, and directed by Candy Pryce, the play looks at a family dynamic run amok.

Carolyn Bingham, played by Ashlee Brewer, is a young woman expecting her first child.

In the role of Carolyn’s boyfriend, Michel Charbonneau is played by Cy Williams, a French Canadian who is on good terms with his family. He is happy to be living in Ontario because his family lives in Quebec.

The young couple decide to have a home birth with the assistance of a doula.

It is a decision they know won’t be popular with Carolyn’s father, a well-known and respected obstetrician.

The couple live on a rundown farm that has been in the family for several generations.

Carolyn’s grandfather, Russel ‘Gramps’ Bingham, also lives on the farm and insists he is still able to work, despite having a heart condition and a severe case of arthritis in his hands.

Gramps may see the entire picture clearer than anyone else.

Carolyn has invited her parents over for dinner after not seeing them for quite some time. She is determined to have a pleasant evening and cook a delicious dinner to prove to them that she is a capable adult.

Having experienced signs that she may be going into labour, Carolyn calls her doula early in the evening but insists the dinner goes on as planned.

Carolyn’s parents arrive happy to see their daughter.

Her father, Bill Bingham, played by Jason Bowers, is expecting his daughter to give birth in a hospital. He believes it is the safest thing to do, and he is not shy about expressing his expert medical opinion.

In the role of Carolyn’s mother Jane, Shari Morgan is a somewhat self-absorbed woman who always wonders how any situation will affect her, rather than other people. Her main concern is making sure her lipstick always looks good. 

Doula, Dawn Shaw, played by Stephanie Ffrench, arrives not knowing that her presence may cause an issue.

At first, Gramps tries to tell Carolyn’s parents that Dawn is his girlfriend.

When the parents realize Dawn’s real reason for being there, they are not appreciative of her skills or her efforts.

Carolyn and her parents are at loggerheads in more than one way as the evening progresses.

Cy is caught in the middle and does his best not to get on the wrong side of anyone.

Gramps tries to remain neutral, but still throws his opinion into the conversation from time to time.

When it becomes apparent that Carolyn is indeed going into labour, she must choose between the home birth she wanted, or going to a hospital as her father the doctor recommends.

Supported by a talented and skilled behind-the-scenes crew, The South Simcoe Theatre’s production of “Having Hope At Home” is humorous, heartwarming, and hopeful.

“Having Hope At Home” is on the South Simcoe Theatre stage (1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown) until March 16, on Fridays and Saturdays in the evening with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays.

For ticket information visit TheSouthSimcoeTheatre.com online, call 705-458-4432, or email BoxOffice@TheSouthSimcoeTheatre.com.

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