Neilson is brilliant in "The Death of Me," part of theatre guild's production of "One Actmanship"

If it were a battle of the one-act plays, "The Death of Me" would win because of Barry Neilson's brilliant performance as the Angel of Death.

The Kincardine Theatre Guild's production of "One Actmanship," two one-act plays by Norm Foster, opened Thursday night at the Kincardine Arts Centre, and the only complaint is that the lights come up too quickly on each play.

Both "The Death of Me" and "My Narrator" are hilarious, performed with the fast pace that comedy requires, and full of Foster's wonderful one-liners.

Billed second, "The Death of Me" tells the tale of John Adderly who has died too soon. He makes a deal with the Angel of Death for a second chance at life, but discovers it's difficult to fix the mistakes of your past in one afternoon, and realizes that perhaps your destiny is not etched in stone.

From the moment the curtain opens and Neilson is standing in the lights with his angel wings shining, the audience is laughing. And then he sits down at his desk and the wings remain hanging on the wall - and there's even more laughter.

Shane Middelkamp plays the part of John beautifully - a bit confused, certainly not convinced that he's dead. "Oh, but you're dead," replies Neilson, with a gleeful smile.

Neilson has some of the best lines and delivers them flawlessly - there's the one about the accountant who killed himself because he couldn't handle all the paperwork, only to realize that he had to fill out paperwork when he entered the office of the Angel of Death! And the zinger when John asks if he has to pay taxes - "No, this isn't Hell!"

Against his better judgement, the Angel of Death allows John a second chance, to make a wave in his unremarkable life. He is supposed to tell off his ex-fiance, played beautifully by Bailey Baldassari, but he just can't do it.

John then meets up with his doctor - another stellar performance by Matt Harvey - and pushes him for a check-up, but the doctor isn't convinced there's a need, and is too concerned about his own high life to worry about one mere patient. In fact, he admits that he doesn't even like sick people.

The ending is quite abrupt and you're left wishing for a few more minutes with these great characters.

The same happens with "My Narrator" which showcases Sarah Foster as Lacy and Jason Geberdt as Miles who go out on a couple of disastrous dates. Both play their roles well, but they are somewhat outshone by their Narrators, played by Deb Tripp (Barb) and Rob Millar (Bob).

Again, the quips are pure Foster, as Miles trips over his tongue while talking about Lacy's paintings, while Bob states over and over, "And Miles decided to change the subject," to no avail.

It's funny and has a great ending.

"One Actmanship" continues May 26, and June 1 and 2 at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees planned for May 27 and 28.

Tickets are $20 each; available at J'Adorn in downtown Kincardine, or by calling 519-396-9000.