Beyond the Legal Limit is a theatrical performance with music based on the adaptation of Pat Henman’s memoir of the same name.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon in June 2013, performer and singer Pat Henman, was driving home on the highway with her 19-year-old daughter, Maia, when they were struck head-on by a drunk driver. Although both survived, their physical injuries still remain, and the emotional toll on their well-being and that of their family has become a story that inspired Pat to share in the only way she knew how—on stage with songs that expresses the intensity and the joy of a life changing event.

Part story-telling, part concert, Pat tells the story of trauma and recovery in this unique and passionate one act drama with music, while embracing the many colours of survival presented on stage with her words, adapted by Canadian playwright and Genie Award nominee, Kelly Rebar, and original music by Canadian musician and composer, Konrad Pluta. Theatre Director, writer and performer, Tracey Power is well known as a BC artist, with her recent premier of GLORY, inspired by the true story of the Preston Rivulettes, winning the Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding New Play.

Pat is joined on stage by two artists who hail from Nelson. Rachel DeShon was the winner of Marvin Hamlisch's Search for a Star competition with the Seattle Symphony and performed on his national tour. Rachel is at home with symphonies, opera houses, theatre productions and even circus tents. Robyn Lamb attended McGill University and Vancouver Community College, studying classical music. Robyn was recently seen as musical director for Mamma Mia! and is preparing her one woman show, Me, Myself and Ireland, at the Capitol Theatre in Nelson, B.C.

Pat is a veteran of Canadian theatre as actor, singer and director, with radio, television and film credits spanning over a 40 year career in the performing arts. She recently directed Mamma Mia! in Nelson, BC. Pat received a Special Citation in recognition for her “considerable Contribution to Arts, Culture and Heritage in the City of Nelson, BC” in 2018. She was nominated for the Courage to Come Back Award in 2015. She is an appointed director of the BC Arts Council and the Pacific Regional Victims Advisory Committee. She is also an active volunteer for MADD Canada.

Created with support from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, the Amy Ferguson Institute, the Nelson Civic Theatre Artist in Residence Program, Nelson & District Credit Union and the Canada Council for the Arts, Beyond the Legal Limit is a unique project developed entirely during the Covid-19 crisis. Pat would like to express her gratitude for the support shown to her by her family, her creative team, her cast and the funding agents that believed in this project.