True confession: I have a soft spot for raccoons since I saw raccoon paw prints - amazingly like a human's - going up the shed door. Raccoons are not rodents, and I’m glad Darlene sets the record straight on that one, but she needs to brush up on what is included in the mammal class, a deficiency that Brenton Kniess hilariously plays up in SLAPJACK SATURDAY. Grief can take on many shapes -sometimes best depicted with puppetry I’m thinking - and Cletus responds as a good friend and barkeep in this tavern romp with a satisfying finish.

A support raccoon may be just what Darlene needs to cope with her grief. Humans have a tendency to tiptoe around the issue, never quite sure what to say or not say, how much space to give. Such is the case with Cletus, a long-time friend who shares her grief. Brenton Kniess does a terrific job of combining animal antics and the familiar, comforting routine of the two humans. Hopefully this will be onstage sometime soon.

What a fun piece! Somewhere between unorthodox pets and deep grief, we get a tale of enduring friendship. Brenton Kniess has created two enormously engaging characters and set them loose in a comfy bar. Well done!