Why is this series so homophobic? Not in a loud, overt way; it doesn't ridicule or preach against gay men, it just erases them. (Spoilers follow.)Season One: Oliver Welles is said to be gay, but who is the only person he sleeps with? The leading lady. Season Two: At last, an openly gay character, young Patrick (David Alpay). But what happens? Playing Romeo induces him to sleep with Juliet. Apparently, the producers of this series have found the "cure" for homosexuality: join a theater troupe! (Is this some sort of Canadian joke?)Yes, there is one gay couple among the cast, the two old queens who sing the opening song, but while we see every other couple in the show having naked sex, we never even see these two at home together...and I'm betting that sooner or later they'll turn straight, too, because that's the only function gay men have on this show.

You can tell that this TV show came out of a country other the the US because it's so well acted, very funny and just plain brilliant. It's unashamedly aimed at adults with IQ's over 10. I've been a huge fan of Stephen Ouimettes for years so I expected nothing but the best from him, but what a pleasant surprise to find this show chock a block with actors who actually can act. I watched the first two seasons straight through the night purring like a cat with a saucer of cream. It's great fun seeing how the theatre works behind the scenes - at last a show with a unique theme, original ideas and clever writing. I hope this one lasts and lasts.

I discovered this show a few weeks ago and it really is as others have said a real gem.The first two episodes of season one do well in introducing the characters and the situation that the festival finds itself in with failing Shakespeare productions. But it's the third episode were Geoffrey is in charge of the festival that the series really begins to pick up pace and because it is a six episode series the series is therefore focused on one main plot which is the problems they face performing Hamlet. But while that is the constant theme it's the problems that the characters face that is the most interesting.My favourite scenes are those that are either centred around Ellen and Geoffrey or Geoffrey and Oliver or even Geoffrey trying to deal with anyone. Paul Gross is absolutely fantastic as Geoffrey as he is a great comic actor. He seems to walk the fine line of Geoffrey being mad and begin very big, character wise but Gross always seems to rein it back to the right level each time and in the first episode I was sort of sitting around waiting for Geoffrey to return.Martha Burns as Ellen the ageing diva is also brilliant and her diva ways of turning up late and her self centeredness is of a childish nature that she is just a great comical character. I love it when she's doing a show or clearly wants someone to go away that she'll yell at them and then calmly say that she's stressed or nervous.The constant fighting between Ellen and Geoffrey but the undeniable chemistry between the two is great to watch (but that wouldn't be hard since Gross and Burns are real life husband and wife.) At the begin the barbs they throw at each other or more often than not just releases of tension and they each let it roll off their backs, kind of like kids in the playground. That is until the last episode of season one were they talk to each other like adults and begin to resolve the issue of why Geoffrey left. Once that is resolved when we come back for season two they are back to just throwing off handed barbs to each other and the attraction between the two is rekindled. Although they do then have problems when Oliver returns.I like that the issue of whether or not Geoffrey is insane or that Oliver is a ghost is questioned and Geoffrey's concern and refusal to be insane and looking like fool again is actually quite serious and I like that it effects his relationship with Ellen and that she talk to Henry about it, even though that is somewhat a betrayal but she's concerned about him and admits she doesn't know how to deal with it. I wonder when it returns for the final series if Oliver will return because Geoffrey does say to Oliver at the end of season two that it's over and he doesn't want him to haunt him anymore. If Oliver does return I hope there are some scenes were Ellen and Geoffrey talk about it and his mental state.I just want to mention Jennifer Irwin as Holly Day who is absolutely superb as the bitch who intends to turn the Festival into one big souvenir store and stage musicals. But because she is so fantastic I now find myself skipping her parts because the character of Holly is so spin chillingly annoying that I just want reach into the screen and kill her. The whole seasons you are just wanting for her to get her comeuppance and hopefully to also be run over by a pig truck.I'm looking forward to the third but sadly last season of the show, but the best thing about the show is you can tell that the writers did plan where the season was going to go and character and plot development are hugely benefited by that. Also the show flows easily into it's second season which is also helped by that fact that the show has one director, Peter Wellington.

Intelligent, witty, insightful writing that each and every actor clearly loves having the chance to deliver. Fully-rounded, complex characters, examined with insight and empathy. A deep love and rich understanding of life in the theater, with all its excitement and pitfalls. Perfectly paced, with a pleasing balance between comedy and drama. It's so rare to see a work that treats its subject, characters, actors, and audience with so much respect. Very few shows have made me care so much about how everything would turn out, or left me so satisfied at the final fade-out. This is one I look forward to seeing again and again.