The English version of the classic French comedy I Lost My Husband will premiere next week at Gateway Theatre.
“When you see the title, you might think it’s going to be a sad show, but it’s actually one of the funniest scripts I’ve read,” said Meghan Gardiner, the lead actor.
“We were just rehearsing and there wasn’t one scene we could get through without laughing, which can be a challenge.”
The comedy tells the story of Evelyn, who lost her husband in a bet in a bar. Things look grim at first, but as her life opens up in new and unexpected directions, Evelyn comes to realize that maybe her husband is better off staying lost.
“It’s a real feminist journey of self-discovery, which does not go in the direction that everyone may agree with, but in one that is unique to who she is,” said Gardiner.
“Evelyn comes to her own conclusion: ultimately she doesn’t want to lose herself; she doesn’t want to sacrifice the qualities that make her who she is.
“She does love her husband, but she questions if he loves her or loves the idea of her.”
The husband never appears in the show, which only has four characters: Evelyn, a female bartender, Evelyn’s stepson and a male drug dealer.
Written in Montreal originally, the script has been adapted locally by including some of the features of Vancouver, and references to the politics that are happening now in B.C.
“It’s amazing how well it has been translated, how much the humour has stayed with it. It feels very much that English was the original language,” said Gardiner.
“The writing is so sharp and so funny, people are gonna like the humour.”
Another highlight, according to Gardiner, is the music in the show. Although it’s not a musical, the character Evelyn loves karaoke and sings many songs in a karaoke bar for the audience, adding more layers to the performance.
Gardiner said she feels lucky to be in the leading role in a show centred on a woman in her late 30s, as a show like this is rare to find nowadays.
“There haven’t been such strong female characters in their 40s or late 30s often...mostly younger and romantic characters,” said Gardiner.
“Having a role like this about a woman in her late 30s, how she is moving on and growing up, is fantastic. It’s a very necessary and important voice to hear.”
She said the audience can prepare themselves for a “really good time.”
“It’s a great script; we just needed to bring it to life,” said Gardiner.
“(The audience) might start reflecting on their own journey, making sure that they are truly following their heart, not following what they think their journey should be.”
Gateway Theatre will present the play from March 15 to 24. Check GatewayTheatre.com for more information.
