‘The Family Creetin’ Delivers Deliciously Unhinged Family Drama at the Palace Theatre

The Creetin family tree may have a few rotten apples, but the resulting comedy is certainly to my taste. Stacked with stellar performances and an ensemble of outlandish characters, The Family Creetin delivers deliciously unhinged family drama at the Palace Theatre.

Frederic (Dylan Rock) takes the spotlight as the rest of the Creetin family looks on. Photo by Ross Davidson.

Banished by the King’s original comedy finds the snobbishly wealthy Creetin clan in turmoil after a theft from the family’s canned fruit fortune. Tasked with finding the culprit, the six siblings and their romantic partners waste no time pointing fingers. One by one, juicy secrets come to light as the family members accuse one another and come under fire themselves.

The performances in The Family Creetin are feats of endurance and enthusiasm. Nearly every actor remains onstage throughout the entire show, fully immersed in their roles and constantly reacting to the chaos unfolding. The cast rises to the challenge, infusing every exchange with energy and personality. At any moment, I enjoyed glancing around to see other characters’ responses, gestures, and facial expressions. 

Accusations fly. Sophie Thompson as Victoria, Ben Kennes as Reginald, Dustin Didham as Nigel, Rachel Sherret as Mary, Luis Marin as Raul, Sue Harrington as Gloria. Photo by Ross Davidson.

Writer and director Patrick Brennan’s blocking is impressively clear considering how many characters share Procunier Hall’s small playing space. Although the stage is undeniably full, it doesn’t feel crammed. Moments when my sightlines felt blocked were rare and, even then, there was plenty of interest to be found in other characters’ reactions.

Much of this success comes from the actors’ physical commitment to their roles. As eldest son Reginald, Ben Kennes brims with barely contained fury, clawing at the air to keep from throttling his siblings instead. Even though the family constantly punches down on him, Kevin Avram’s soft-hearted Bertrand is entirely endearing, rising on tiptoes with arms askew as he pours another ‘boffo cheer up good time’ drink.

Bertrand (Kevin Avram) finds himself caught between sisters Victoria (Sophie Thompson) and Gloria (Sue Harrington). Photo by Ross Davidson.

Nicole McTeer is all glamour and grace as American movie star Ginger, gliding across the stage in a glittering dress and smirking as she critiques England’s stuffy customs and dreary forecast. As the black sheep of the family, slouchy Gloria (Sue Harrington) and coal-dusted Nigel (Dustin Didham) are entertainingly crude in the ways they take up space.

As much as the characters are ridiculously unique, it’s great fun to see family resemblances peek through. When father Archibald (Patrick Hoffer) strides in to explain his convoluted mystery-solving methods, his offspring suddenly make more sense. Frederic (Dylan Rock) mirrors him well with a flair for melodrama and highly expressive gestures that draw many laughs. 

The family resemblance between Archibald (Patrick Hoffer) and Frederic (Dylan Rock) becomes clear. Photo by Ross Davidson.

“Tropey? Derivative? Lacking entirely in a coherent narrative? Sure. But you’re here to watch it,” Patrick Brennan writes in the program notes. First produced in 2015, The Family Creetin has since been refined through rehearsal and feels far from stale in 2026. The show is aware of its stereotypes and pleasantly points out narrative weaknesses through Roger (Ryan Starkweather), an outsider to the family who acts as narrator.

Quiet and unassuming in the background, Roger occasionally steps into the spotlight to offer commentary. With clicker in hand, he pauses the action to pace through the crowded room like he’s weaving through a wax museum. His partner, the sweet Sybil (Jennifer Groulx), is surprisingly normal, which reads hilariously in contrast to the surrounding personalities.

Roger (Ryan Starkweather) introduces the audience to Reginald (Ben Kennes). Photo by Ross Davidson.

Although a few cues such as clicker freezes and thunder cracks could be tightened, this cast is clearly in tune, driving the show forward with strong pacing. Overall, the technical aspects of the production create a cohesive world for the action. Mark Mooney’s lighting evokes the grandeur of the family home with window silhouettes and moneyed warmth, punctuated by dramatic lightning flickers.

The set, rich with mahogany and velvet textures, provides plenty of spaces for the actors to play in character. Eldest daughter Victoria (Sophie Thompson) in particular commands a corner chair as if presiding from a throne. 

Sophie Thompson's performance as eldest daughter Victoria is formidable. Photo by Ross Davidson.

Tannis Daoust’s thoughtful costumes suit each character impeccably. The uptight attitude and convoluted parables of Mary (Rachel Sherret) are well matched by her high lace collar and crisp skirt. As Victoria’s Latin lover, Raul (Luis Marin) cuts a striking figure in a suave suit. Combined with his easy charm and confident delivery, it’s no surprise he has everyone onstage blushing.

Mary (Rachel Sherret) is charmed by Raul (Luis Marin). Photo by Ross Davidson.

Unlike the dysfunctional family they portray, this cast shares remarkable chemistry. It’s pure fun to watch them play off of each another. The Family Creetin is a glorious trainwreck of a family reunion and, although I’d never want to be in this family, I’d happily watch their antics again.

Procunier Hall’s seating is limited. Get your tickets while you can and catch the Creetins before the show closes on April 25!

The cast and crew of The Family Creetin in Procunier Hall. Photo by Ross Davidson.