By Brian Speagle.
The Odesa Company’s Hot-Theatre Summer, 2026, continues with Jacob Wiley-Borshell’s The Forest Between Two Kingdoms. Following hot on the heels of the successful StageQuest: A New Voyage, the Odesa team has scored another theatrical success.
Wiley-Borshell has crafted a unique play, which has a rhythm all its own. Act I seemed to pass in a heartbeat! The play is character-driven and completely enthralling. We forget that we’re in a “fairy tale”, and that is a result of good direction (also by Jacob), and a solid commitment on the part of the actors to let their characters drive the narrative.
Matt Butler as Prince Sorrel and Skylar Shelley as Prince Obsidian form an immediate bond as characters, and that establishes a solid premise. Their onstage chemistry is quite impressive. The evolution of both characters as the play proceeds is quite impressive, both in the acting and direction. It also helps, as already noted, to have an excellent script!
Greg George as Ezra is the wildcard of this story. Delightfully off the wall and engaging, he helps propel the story along effectively. Although this is Greg’s first time on stage, London audiences will no doubt be seeing more of his work soon!
The first moments of a show can be critical to engaging the audience, and Anna Lee-Diemert as Harriet does an outstanding job doing just that. Jacob Wiley-Borshell has written a wonderful prologue, and Anna knocks it out of the park!
Coleton Denomme as Simon is the dark horse of the narrative. As the play unfolds, his character becomes more prominent and sympathetic and emerges as a pivotal element of the narrative. His character arc is impressive, a fine example of the alchemy of script, direction, and acting.
Although she doesn’t make an appearance until Act II, Nicole Surette-Bourque as Princess Daisy becomes a dominant force in the story. Her character is a strong young woman, jaded by her traditional role, and refuses to accept her fate. Again, strong acting and direction, driven by an excellent script.
It would be easy, and incorrect, to classify Laura Williams as Queen Charlotte and Brent Smith as King Jasper as mere comic relief. Their character interactions are indeed very funny, but they are a major part of one of the themes the playwright is trying to get across; the rejection of failed traditions is embodied in these two solid characters. As with the entire cast, they are not two-dimensional cut-outs. Their characters are thoughtfully crafted and performed. Brent Smith is another impressive first-timer onstage, and I’m sure we’ll see more of him going forward. Laura Williams is a very talented veteran of London stages and has now appeared in several Odesa Company productions.
From a design point of view, there is a wonderful unity of the visual and aural. Set, lighting, sound, costumes, hair, makeup, props, all perfectly executed! Lisa Desgroseilliers, sound design; Cody Mann, makeup design; Kayla Manning, costume design; Kevin Smith, hair design; Indrani Mahadeo, lighting design. And of course, a stellar stage management team: Jeremy Hewitson, SM; Jess Bohan, ASM; Samual Robbins-Wall, ASM.
The Forest Between Two Kingdoms is a family-friendly LGBTQ+ fairy tale. Its themes of acceptance and tolerance are universal, and Jacob Wiley-Borshell’s script comes from the heart. Do your best to see this show before it closes on August 15!
Written and directed by Jacob Wiley-Borshell
Produced by Brittney-Lee Lowey
Stage Managed by Jeremy Hewitson
August 8 to 15 on the Grand Theatre’s Auburn Stage.
Tickets: https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/forest-between-two-kingdoms
Reviewed by Brian Speagle
Brian Speagle is a founding member of Scooter Productions. Scooter Productions encourages and supports all of the arts in southwestern Ontario. He is an occasional theatre Reviewer for The Beat Magazine 2025.
The Beat Magazine 2025 