When director Tim Bratton first sat down with his cast he introduced his first childhood friend, a tattered bear named Teddy.

“We all have a need to experience unconditional love,” says Bratton. “Here’s this thing, my imaginary friend who loves me and I love it and then we’re supposed to grow out of that phase but our need for love continues. There’s a real vulnerability to that, a fear of reaching out to a child or partner and asking for a love like that.”

Director Tim Bratton and actor Kayvon Khoshkam (l-r) say Mustard is a naughty little play with heart. (Nicole Stevenson Photography)

That giving and receiving of care is at the heart of 25th Street Theatre’s Mustard Jan. 29 – Feb. 8 on the BackStage Stage – Remai Arts Centre. The story follows a family in crisis. 16-year-old Thai is lashing out at school, her parents are divorcing and when her imaginary friend Mustard, played by Kayvon Khoshkam, shows up and falls in love with her mom.

“She’s bearing the brunt of her family split.”

“It’s crazy! Thai is the only sane one in the room,” says Mara Teare who plays the teen. “She’s bearing the brunt of her family split, has to deal with Mustard, and having to constantly parent everyone around her.”

The darkly comedic bedtime story was an easy choice for 25th Street Theatre as part of its Beyond The Fringe season.

“We’re giving them their vegetables disguised as dessert.”

Kayvon Khoshkam stars as Mustard an imaginary friend who’s not ready to be left behind. (Nicole Stevenson Photography)

“Our audience is ready for something out of the ordinary, productions that push the boundaries,” says 25th Street’s Artistic and Executive Director Anita Smith, who also plays Thai’s mother Sadie. “We’re giving them their vegetables disguised as dessert. This play will make you laugh and doesn’t slap you across the face with its message.”

“This script will keep people on their toes,” says Bratton. “There are these beautiful vulnerabilities, tender, hard moments, and then there’s a poop joke off the end of it.”

“It speaks to the moment we are in right now.”

Mustard blurs the line between reality and the imaginary world and though bizarre, this tale is very relatable.

“It speaks to the moment we are in right now,” Smith explains, “In our daily lives we are surrounded by people and technology and yet, we feel more alone than ever, desperate for connection. I hope this play leaves people asking themselves, ‘Why?’” That’s what’s important.”