Red Comet, by Len Cuthbert

Red Comet

SUPPORTED BY

SHEDDEN Southwold Keystone 35921 Talbot Line, Shedden, ON	MOUNT BRYDGES The Bell Tower Community Space 639 Bowman St. Mount Brydges, ON
Th, Aug 6: 2:00 pm Th, Aug 6: 7:00 pm	Sa. Aug 8: 4:00 pm Sa. Aug 8: 4:00 pm
	Sa. Aug 8: 7:00 pm


SYNOPSIS
Red Comet is a contemporary coming-of-age comedy-drama where two characters explore friendship, ambition, and the fear of change at the edge of adulthood. Set over the final year of high school, the play follows two best friends, one driven by logic, the other by emotion, as they navigate unspoken feelings, diverging dreams, and the looming reality of separation. Grounded in naturalistic dialogue and fueled by humour, tension, and quiet intimacy, Red Comet uses a rebuilt car as a central metaphor for legacy, choice, and forward motion. With a bittersweet and hopeful tone, the play is a character-driven play that speaks to young audiences and adults alike about growing up, letting go, and deciding what, and who, is worth holding on to.

CREATIVE TEAM
	Kydra Ryan Actor, Director Kydra Ryan performed in the premiere of Fridge Door Live's heartfelt production, Lawrence Station. She still fondly remembers the incredible hospitality she experienced in Shedden and is excited to be back performing in another show by Len! She is the associate artistic director of AlvegoRoot Theatre in London, and this November, her play about Canadian war animals, Beasts of Burden, will premiere with the company. Some of her favourite productions include Sleigh Without Bells: A Donnellys Story (director), London Life Troupers (actor/co-playwright), and County Fair (actor/playwright), all for AlvegoRoot Theatre.
	Aidan Coutts Actor, Director Aidan Coutts is an actor, singer and composer who trained at St. Clair College and ATU Sligo. When he isn't on stage performing, he's at his piano composing, having scored a fantasy musical titled, The Forgotten Baroness, which saw a workshop at the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Toronto back in 2023. Selected acting credits include: Luce (AlvegoRoot Theatre), The Rocky Horror Show (Infuse Productions), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (All's Well Productions), Vampire Zombies ... From Space! (The Dot Film Co.), The Laramie Project (Rabbits Riot TC).
	Len Cuthbert Playwright, Producer Len is the founding director of Fridge Door Live Theatre Company. His plays have been produced in Canada, US and Europe. He is a graduate of Trinity Western University, Centennial College, Heritage College, and Western University. His collection of short plays about reunions, Reunited Shorts, was published by Dramatic Publishing in 2020. His meta comedy, 107, was produced at the 2021 London Fringe Festival, 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival and 2022 Newmarket International One Act Festival, and was published by Original Works Publishing in 2023. The music version of Lawrence Station will be staged in October 2026. www.LenCuthbert.com

DEVELOPMENT
The final scene of Red Comet, was staged at the AlvegoRoot Theatre's 10-Minute Play Festival, London, ON, February 27 - March 1, 2026. Scene 2-3 of Red Comet was workshopped at the Grand Theatre's Cascade Playwright's Lab, London, ON, that resulted in a staged reading, April 27, 2026. The full play was written and developed from December 2025 to May 2026.