Original Saltcoats drama on stage Feb 3-5

For the 11th consecutive year a Saltcoats drama group will present dinner theatre in the community just 20 minutes southeast of Yorkton.

Going Gently, presented by the Laketown Players, is a dramatic comedy written by Stephen Farquharson. Farquharson is a founder of Laketown Players and principal of Saltcoats School. It is his third original play.

The setting of Going Gently alternates between a senior’s home and a local curling arena.

“It’s about older people trying to come to grips with being older and how to live the rest of their days,” he said, noting it is a subject relevant to all ages as younger people sometimes struggle with trying to strike a balance between doing too much and not doing enough.

Farquharson believes it will be both entertaining and inspiring to audiences.

“The actors do a really good job of bringing their characters to life,” he said. “People will have something to take away and think about.”

The roast beef dinner is also legendary, according to locals.

The author, who also directs the play along with Walter Farquharson and Gloria Rathgeber, says events such as the annual play are the lifeblood of a small community. By bringing in a cast of all ages—five cast members this year are 13 and under—it provides continuity between generations.

“It’s one of the things that keep our community together,” he explained. “We need things like this, otherwise we’re just a bunch of people who live on the same street.”

It also has a financial impact. Over the years proceeds have helped renovate the community hall and supporting various community organizations and projects. This year the Sunday matinee will help fund the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association’s summer program.

Farquharson does have some ambition beyond the community, however.

“I would love it if something would go beyond our little stage, but for now I’m content,” he said.

Previous offerings by the Laketown Players have included W.O. Mitchell’s The Kite and The Black Bonspiel, and works by other playwrights such as The Mouse that Roared, The Pink Panther and Opening Night.

Three evening performances of Going Gently are scheduled for February 2, 3 and 4 followed by a matinee on Sunday February 5.