February 25, 2026 Submitted by Ally Donnelly
There is something lovely about a story that asks us to sit with loneliness–not fix it, not rush past it, but to reckon with what it is and what it costs.
That is the story Hingham High School Drama’s latest production, “Mr. Flannery’s Ocean.” The students are taking the one-act play to state competition this weekend, but will perform for the community one night only, on Thursday, at Hingham Middle School.
On its surface, “Mr. Flannery’s Ocean” is about a cantankerous old man who lives at an English seaside inn and insists he owns the ocean. It’s an absurd claim, of course — and everyone at the inn is quick to tell him so. But beneath the bluster is something achingly recognizable. Flannery isn’t just fighting over the sea. He’s fighting to matter. He’s fighting to be seen before time runs out.
“The actors and crew are so brave and creative,” says Director Shy Sobhian. “I’m proud we’ve created such a cohesive piece of theater. All of the students have elevated their craft beautifully.”
As the story unfolds, Flannery battles everyone at the inn, but when Mrs. Pringle, an American widow–lonely and in declining health herself–comes to stay, everything changes. They are two people grappling with hurt and grief, but Mrs. Pringle refuses to dismiss Flannery. She accepts that he owns the ocean, giving him the permission to eventually open himself to show true generosity.
“Everyone treated him like he was crazy, but she meets him where he is,” Sobhian says. “It’s an instant and surprising connection.”
HHS Junior Izzie Donnelly plays Flannery and says, “The audience will find aspects of each character that they will relate to and love. In just 40 minutes, they’ll experience loneliness, friendship, and trust,” she says. “The show has an incredible cast and crew and wouldn’t be possible without our director and student directors.”
Tag Tomlinson, a student director alongside HHS senior Alec Whitmore says, “From the beginning, I knew this would be such an interesting experience. From the characters and their accents to the realistic set, detailed sound, and transforming makeup, it creates an immersive experience that brings Mr. Flannery’s Ocean to life. I am beyond proud.”
The students will perform the show in the METG Theater Festival, organized by the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild — a prestigious annual competition with more than 100 high school and middle school drama programs across the state.
HHS senior Allie Banks, who plays Mrs. Pringle, says she’s honored to be headed to METG. “Festival brings people together and you learn how to work not only for yourself, but for your team and your town. To represent them at METG is a huge experience that I’ll always want to be a part of.”
Donnelly agrees. “Festival is such a unique opportunity for connection,” she says, “Yes, it’s a competition, but we build friendships that last. In a way, we see the same things in our show — that real friendship and connection can build over years or just hours.”
Mr. Flannery’s Ocean will be performed by the HHS Drama Club Thursday at 7pm at the Hingham Middle School. Free admission.
Donations to the Anna Quinlivan Scholarship gladly accepted.
