"Black Comedy shines…an outrageous cake of kookiness" —Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun [Read the full review]

"It’s bloody fantastic" —Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight [Read the full review]

"a delightful romp" —John Jane, reviewVancouver [Read the full review]

"a dazzling show of physicality…riotously funny" —Mark Robins, Gay Vancouver [Read the full review]

"I was in stitches most of the night, along with the rest of the audience…"Black Comedy" is Brit-Com at it’s best."
—Stephen Bailey, Homorazzi [Read the full review]

"Arts Club, you rarely disappoint.. wit and laughter until the very last scene" —Melanie Shim, Press+1 [Read the full review]

"One can't ask for a more entertaining way to kick off the new season" —Gillian Lockitch, Review from the House [Read the full review]

"Fast-paced and witty…hugely enjoyable" —BBC

"Shaffer can claim his seat among the immortals…brilliant high-comedy" —The Telegraph

"Screamingly funny…a racy comedy of errors" —The Stanford Daily

Province interview with Charlie Gallant

24 Hours interview with Charlie Gallant

An introduction to Black Comedy

An interview with the director

Black Comedy costumes: 1960s London art scene chic

Director's notes

A behind-the-scenes look at the Black Comedy set

An introduction from the playwright, Peter Shaffer

"Loved the show. It was very funny. The woman who played the older lady who got drunk was simply fantastic." —Dave

"This was, by far, the funniest live show I have ever seen. My only regret was missing out on some of the dialogue, because the audience, myself included, was laughing so loud! I've been recommending this show to everyone I know." —Abby, Vancouver

"Very well done. Each performer was tremendous in their role." —Wendy, Vancouver

"It was awesome. I laughed till I cried. They are truly wonderful "real" women and actors. Thank you for sharing with us!" —Gayle

"This is a brilliant production. The sets and the directing are superb and the energy of the performers is remarkable. This is well worth patrons' returning for another delightful theatrical experience." —Rolf, Chilliwack

"The play was super funny. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We go to live theatre a lot and have enjoyed all plays we've seen from the Arts Club Theatre Company. Looking forward to seeing Mom's the Word: Remixed next." —Anonymous

"Both my husband and I really enjoyed the performance, especially the opening act, very cleverly done and fun to watch some slapstick again, The actors did a great job, thank you" —Patricia, North Vancouver

"Don't let the title confuse you. Black Comedy is Great Energy! Hilarious! A real laugh out loud experience of twist and turns. A great performance by skilled cast." —J, Burnaby

"That was one of the best plays I have seen in years. The acting was superior..great laughs by all in the audience. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at the show" —Diane, Vancouver

"An hilarious evening filled with wonderful lines delivered with exquisite timing by gifted performers from terrific scripts. If you think that is a bit of an over-the-top review go see these 2 one-act plays and judge for yourself." —Peter, Vancouver

"This was a very well thought out play with non-stop laughs. I would recommend it." —Anonymous

"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Black Comedy. It was very funny and we loved the physical humor displayed with the stairs and the furniture and moving around in the dark." —Gordon

"Plain and simple, it was just great. I wish I had the same athletic ability of these wonderful actors" —Marilyn

"We really enjoyed ourselves. There is so much to watch, we wouldn't mind seeing it again. All parts were wonderful - but we were most impressed with the leading man. Wow!- what a workout. Delightful" —Helen, West Vancouver.

"Enjoyed it very much, also the Marriage Proposal, we laughed at both productions! Also like our seats, thanks" —Marilyn, Coquitlam

"My boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed Black Comedy! It was hilarious, silly, fun and entertaining from start to finish! We loved the concept of being able to see the blackout and all the interesting things that happen in the dark. Our faces were sore from smiling and laughing and everyone around us was having a great time as well. The Stanley theater was charming and quite a treat for I had not been there since I was a little girl seeing Star Wars! We sat in the balcony and enjoyed the nice ambiance around us as we took in a spectacular show! THANK YOU!!!" —Theresa, Vancouver

"I really enjoyed the play. My daughter and I are starting to get her boyfriend interested in the theatre. He was laughing so hard that he had tears in his eyes." —Daphne, Richmond

"The acting and directing (especially the directing) were excellent" —Graham, White Rock

"Black Comedy was a class act with a professional cast. This play had the whole audience captivated throughout and there was lots of laughter! Go see it." —Teri, North Vancouver

"We really enjoyed the performances and the venue. It was our first time at the Stanley and loved the ambiance."
 —Anonymous

"A very funny farce." —Elizabeth

"What a season opener! It was the best. I was exhausted just from watching. Please tell the actors they did a great job."
 —Mary Jane, White Rock

"It was a side-splitting farce! I laughed a lot and enjoyed it thoroughly." —Lorna, Surrey

"Brilliant, hilarious and so well done! What an amazing play . It's so cleverly done and the acting is outstanding. I highly recommend it to everyone." —Joel, Vancouver

"Absolutely a riot. Enjoyed and was amazed by the talent on stage throughout the whole performance. Great, no actually GREAT!!!!!!!" —Tannis

"It's one of the funniest I've ever seen. I recommend this play to anyone who wants a real good laugh!" —Olga, Surrey

"Black Comedy is a great show! We laughed and laughed; It's a comforting thought knowing we will be back throughout the season with our season tickets. Keep up the good work, Stanley!!" —Delia, Chilliwack

"An excellent production! Great entertainment value in this economic climate. Looking forward to the next production. Thanks!! Tim in your ticket area also looked after me superbly!" —Donna, Vancouver

"Excellent show! The cast were hilarious and were all fabulously in character. Very well done!" —Sharon, Vancouver

By Peter Shaffer
Starring Simon Bradbury, Sasa Brown, Sean Devine, Charlie Gallant, Nicola Lipman, Julie McIsaac, Jeff Meadows, Simon Webb
Director Dean Paul Gibson
Set Design Ted Roberts
Costume Design Sheila White
Lighting Design John Webber
Sound Design Alessandro Juliani, Meg Roe
Stage Manager Caryn Fehr
Assistant Stage Manager Ronaye Haynes

Bill's Notes for Black Comedy

House Programme