There's a feeling you get in small towns where everyone knows you, neighbours are friends and if you need a helping hand there is never a shortage. That's exactly what you get when you step into The Grand Theatre for their latest mainstage play, Ed's Garage.

Ed's Garage tells the story of a farmer, two mechanics and a therapist from the big city and their adventures in small-town Ontario. Ed, a mechanic/social event planner/ on-the-side therapist is a busy man; he must deal with finding stolen property, fix a catalytic converter and conduct a therapy session, all before lunch. When Peter, a local farmer, mistakenly goes to Ed for his court-mandated anger management session, Cassandra, a therapist who is new in town, is justifiably upset. But after spending just a few short hours with Ed, Peter and another mechanic named Nick, Cassandra and Ed decide to jointly treat Peter, all the while getting into hilarious small-town hijinks.

A stellar cast has been chosen to bring to life the charismatic, witty and flat-out funny characters who live in the world of Ed's Garage. Veteran stage actor Rod Beattie, who can be credited with 15 seasons at the Stratford Theatre Festival, brings to the stage the man himself, Ed. Beattie has just the right balance of quick wit to keep you laughing and thoughtful quiet to make the emotionally charged moments hit home. Though Beattie stumbled through a couple lines on the opening night performances, his quick recoveries were funnier than the original lines themselves.

Acting alongside Beattie as Ed's assistant Nick is another Stratford Theatre veteran with 16 seasons under his belt, Douglas E. Hughes. If Beattie's Ed is witty and wry, then Hughes' Nick is flat-out funny. Hughes gives a laughterinducing performance that will have you wishing for more Nick.

Tim Campbell, who is no stranger to the stage or the screen, plays good-hearted, small-town farmer Peter. Campbell's performance perfectly augments those of both Beattie and Hughes, and when the three men interact on stage there is a smooth, flowing momentum of comedic gold.

Rounding out the cast of this four-person show is Adrienne Gould as Cassandra. Gould, who has multiple stage credits to her name, plays the big-city girl turned small-town therapist with ease, and holds her own alongside such distinguished actors.

The stage direction by Douglas Beattie, who brought to life The Wingfield Follies and its successors, is outstanding and is complimented perfectly by the talent of the actors. The sets are simple and fitting to the story, as are the country- style costumes.

If you're looking to spend an evening in the comfort of friends, Ed's Garage is just the thing!

Sponsored by The Royalcliffe Retirement Residence, the play runs on the main stage of The Grand from now until February 4.