When ‘The Golden Girls’ meet ‘Three’s Company’ in Shaunavon Theatre

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

When The Golden Girls meet Three’s Company

By Shaynee Modien

Darkhorse Theatre wrapped up another successful run over the weekend with a hilarious comedy that pokes fun at female and male relationships for the middle-aged and older demographic.

The show, “Sex Please, We’re Sixty,” was a complete sell-out, with all

480 tickets sold for the five performances.

The play was directed by Angie Illerbrun, a Darkhorse veteran who had appeared on stage in numerous productions but was trying her hand in the director’s chair for the first time.

“We picked a play that I believe resonates with a whole bunch of people in different stages of their life,” Illerbrun said. “It’s an all-around funny play, but one I think everybody can relate to.”

“And I think everyone is a bit intrigued by the word ‘sex,'” she added with a chuckle.

The comedy featured actors Carolyn North, Andrew Burch, Jordan Abbott, and Amy Leslie, who have all appeared on stage in previous Darkhorse productions, along with Nancy Phillips and Korin Johnston, who made their debut stage appearances.

“I was pretty fortunate because the actors I had were really easy to work with – they’re all naturals,” Illerbrun said. “As a first-time director, I’m really happy with the way things turned out, and I think the audiences have really enjoyed it. People want to have a good laugh, and they want to be entertained, and I think that’s exactly what we did for them.”

Illerbrun spoke to The Standard on Friday after the third performance of the show.

“Sex Please, We’re Sixty” takes place at Mrs. Stancliffe’s Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast, which has long been a favorite getaway for women who return year after year. Her charming neighbor, Bud “the Stud” Davis (played by Jordan Abbott), is convinced they come for him, a notion the prim Mrs. Stancliffe (Carolyn North) firmly denies, though she admits he’s good for business.

Next door, her other admirer, retired chemist Henry Mitchell (Andrew Burch), has concocted a new “love booster” called Venusia to rekindle romance in menopausal women, though it’s never been tested. When three lively guests arrive (played by Amy Leslie, Nancy Phillips, and Korin

Johnston) for a weekend stay, curiosity, chemistry, and a touch of chaos spark a chain of hilarious events that no one could have predicted.

“The caption for the play described it as a mix between ‘The Golden Girls’ and ‘Three’s Company,'” said Illerbrun. “Those were two of my favourite TV shows, so I knew it was something I was interested in doing.”

“Sex Please, We’re Sixty” was selected through the same process Darkhorse has always used. Members of the club peruse and read a large number of scripts, and the selection is made through a collective effort, although the director has a final say in the decision.

Illerbrun is the third straight Darkhorse veteran to direct a production since the group opened its new venue in the old United Church building.

Andrew Burch and Darren Johnston were the previous first-time directors.

“For us, it’s just an opportunity to learn another aspect of theater – it’s a chance to broaden your education and experience,” stated Illerbrun.