Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop
The Grand Theatre’s production of Primary Trust, written by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Eboni Booth, is one of those plays that sneaks up on you – and it just might be my favourite play so far this season. Directed by Cherissa Richards, Primary Trust is funny, tender, and deeply touching, exploring themes of loneliness, loss, and hope without feeling heavy-handed. What begins as a modest, intimate story – complete with Kenneth directly addressing the audience – slowly evolves into something much larger and more emotionally resonant.
(Pictured: Durae McFarlane as Kenneth. Photo: Dahlia Katz.)
Durae McFarlane portrays Kenneth with such honesty and openness that he immediately had me leaning in. His story takes you on a full emotional journey, moving effortlessly between humour, vulnerability, and moments of genuine sadness. I found myself completely absorbed, hanging on his every word, and by the end of the show, wishing for nothing more than to give him a hug. Kenneth’s experience feels deeply personal, yet widely relatable, which is where this play finds much of its power.
(Pictured: Peter N. Bailey, Durae McFarlane, Ryan Hollyman, and Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah. Photo: Dahlia Katz.)
The supporting cast adds warmth, texture, and balance throughout the production. Peter N. Bailey brings calm reassurance as Kenneth’s best friend, Bert, while Ryan Hollyman offers humour and charm as Clay/Sam/Bartender, transitioning seamlessly between each personality. Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah is engaging and natural as Corinna, providing moments of humour, compassion and emotional grounding. Lawrence Libor, as the musician, weaves well-timed music into the storytelling organically enhancing emotional shifts without drawing attention away from the narrative. The performances feel believable and connected, carrying the audience through laughter, reflection, and quiet heartbreak. Around me, the crowd responded thoughtfully – laughing often, sitting at times in contemplative silence, and clearly moved by Kenneth’s journey.
(Pictured: Primary Trust Set Design by Julie Fox. Photo: Dahlia Katz.)
Julie Fox’s set design supports the story beautifully, creating a space that reflects Kenneth’s inner world while allowing the play to move smoothly between moments of memory, reality, and imagination. Under Cherissa Richards’ direction and the assistant direction of Vanessa Spence, the production maintains a gentle but steady rhythm that allows the emotional moments to land naturally, without being rushed or overstated.
Listen to Director Cherissa Richards talk about Primary Trust: https://youtu.be/lUON_-f6JbY?si=fYahgazhxQVEuQKq
Primary Trust explores themes of grief, loneliness, friendship, and the courage it takes to reach out for connection, particularly when doing so might feel risky or unfamiliar to us. By the final moments, Kenneth’s journey feels personal and earned, and the audience leaves the theatre reflective, moved, and reminded of how important even the smallest acts of human connection can be. This is a powerful story movingly brought to life and is one not to be missed at the Grand Theatre this season.
IF YOU GO:
What: Primary Trust by Eboni Booth, directed by Cherissa Richards
Where: Spriet Stage at the Grand Theatre, London, Ontario
When: January 20th – February 7th, 2026.
Tickets: Single tickets range from $25 to $97 in-person at the Box Office, by phone at (519) 672-8800, and online at https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/primary-trust
Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop.
The Beat Magazine 2025 