(L-R): Lisa Norton, Andrew Fleming, Ferelith Young, Craig Pike, Katie Lawson & Iain Robert Stewart in ‘Stag and Doe’ at Lighthouse Festival Theatre. Photo Credit: Melissa McLay, Blackbird Photography

Stag and Doe

By Mark Crawford

Bonnie and Brad are having a party to raise money for their upcoming wedding—the cost of which has secretly gotten out of control. Their wisecracking Maid of Honour, Dee, is still getting over being left at the altar seven years ago—and now she has to come face-to-face with her ex. Bridezilla Mandy and her doting groom Rob are getting married today—even though their big white tent blew away in last night’s storm. And oh yeah…single dad Jay just found out his entire catering staff is in jail! It’s all happening at the same time, in the same community hall kitchen, in the same small town.

Taking place over one eventful Saturday in June, the two couples strike a deal to share the local reception hall for their Stag and Doe and wedding. Among the unset Jell-o shots, a missing wedding cake, and a disastrous first dance, past relationships are examined, current couples are put to the test, and new romance blossoms.

By turns wildly funny and unexpectedly touching, Stag and Doe offers a look at a distinctly rural Canadian prenuptial tradition…and shines a light on the nature of love, marriage, and weddings.

“

The laughs come fast and furiously and often. You don't have to live in the country to relate to this delightful comedy, which reminds us that all is not bliss when thoughts turn to tying the knot.

Waterloo Record
“

It’s refreshing, even exhilarating, to see a play like Stag and Doe.

Stratford Gazette
“

(Listed as one of the Top Shows of 2014) Well written and blissfully funny, Crawford’s play is sure to have a long life throughout Ontario and beyond.

Stage Door
“

Stag and Doe moves along as swiftly and fluidly as the unattended Jell-O shots… Clever comic dialogue and observations about everyday people who learn that you can’t put a price tag on love.

Halifax Chronicle Herald
“

There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in Stag and Doe. But the play also pops the big question: Are weddings really about a single day, or a lifetime?”

The CoastHalifax

Production Details

3 Male

3 Female

2 acts. 115 minutes, including intermission

By Mark Crawford

Purchase Play Script

October 1, 2019

Stag and Doe – Ottawa Little Theatre (ON) July 8-25, 2020

May 17, 2014

ONGOING: Stag and Doe – Teatr Powszechny w Lodzi (Poland) February 2019-Present

June 30, 2011

PAST EVENT: Stag and Doe – University Players (Windsor, ON) March 27-April 5, 2020

May 25, 2011

PAST EVENT: Stag and Doe – Bloor West Village Players (Toronto, ON) January 10 – February 1, 2020

Production History

Stag and Doe premiered in 2014 at the Blyth Festival as part of its 40th Anniversary Season. The director and dramaturge for the world premiere was Miles Potter.

Stag and Doe has quickly become one of the most-produced Canadian plays of the decade, with seven subsequent productions in less than two years.

It has played to critical and audience acclaim at Neptune Theatre, Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Lighthouse Festival Theatre (with tour to Showboat Festival), Upper Canada Playhouse, Festival Players of Prince Edward County, and Theatre Orangeville (with tour to Theatre Collingwood).

Stag and Doe was translated into Polish by Elżbieta Woźniak and a production began playing in rep at Teatr Powszechny w Lodzi, Poland in 2019

More Plays By Mark Crawford

  • Bed and Breakfast

    By Mark Crawford

  • The Birds and the Bees

    By Mark Crawford

  • Boys, Girls, and Other Mythological Creatures

    By Mark Crawford

  • The New Canadian Curling Club

    By Mark Crawford

  • Stag and Doe

    By Mark Crawford

License this play? Contact