The Noble Pursuit

The opening scene of The Noble Pursuit is comedy gold. Can-lit giant Noble Harmsworth (played with delightfully over-blown bluster by Ryan Van Horne) is interviewed by a fawning radio announcer while an embittered “fan” (Terry Coolen, a fine hand at mimicry and comic timing) gives a running commentary of his faults. The play becomes an over-the-top farce complete with the expected misunderstandings, bed-hopping and door slamming, but the added bonus of topical references about Canadian writers that will speak volumes to the readers in the audience. The unique design of the set is worth noting. There are open walls ---treated as solid by the actors---yet giving interior room views to the audience. The pacing was a bit slow opening night, but will likely pick up as the actors settle into their roles. —Kate Watson