Headline News

South Simcoe Theatre’s production of ‘The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble’ weighs family obligations and devotion  

February 27, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

It is an exploration of the darker side of the human condition in The South Simcoe Theatre’s production of The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble.

Written by Beth Graham, produced by Jason Bowers, and directed by Iain Maggosh, the play centres on a family with a matriarch who calls a family meeting to discuss her new medical diagnosis with her grown children.

In the role of middle child, Iris, Ashlee Brewer is a devoted daughter who displays common sense and walks the middle line when it comes to her family.

Ashlee Brewer carries the bulk of this production, remaining on stage for the entire duration of the play and delivering an enormous amount of dialogue flawlessly.

Linda Alsemgeest, in the role of mother Bernice, is a lively and healthy woman in her 50s, who announces that while her physical body is fine, her mental capacity is diminishing and she has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

Oldest daughter Sarah, played by Franca Ianni, is shocked to learn about the diagnosis, but at the same time, is in denial, insisting the disease probably won’t progress more than it already has.

In the role of Peter, the youngest child, Benjamin Canedo is a man of few words, always in a state of non-confrontation. Once a discussion starts, Peter always finds a reason to leave the room.

Upon learning of her diagnosis, Bernice views it as a black cloud floating over her head. She witnessed her own mother suffer from the effects of Alzheimer’s, and she is worried not only about her own future but also about being a burden to her children.

Bernice calls a second family meeting to discuss her future plans.

Sarah becomes highly emotional and demands that her mother rethink her plans.

Iris maintains a calm demeanour as she thoughtfully considers her mother’s future.

Peter decides to go into another room to watch television.

The play takes a hard look at obligation and devotion and the course family members will take to support each other.

It is thought-provoking and will touch many people who have experienced family members suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.

The final moments of the play are quite spectacular as Iris observes the bigger picture of where we all are in this universe.

The play has great production values thanks to set designer Sandy Bishop, lighting designer Mark Hayward, and set builder Gord Hebert.

The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble is on The South Simcoe Theatre stage through to March 8, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Theatre’s website at www.thesouthsimcoetheatre.com.

Readers Comments (0)