The Odd Couple

Stage Two Downham started their 2025 season with the excellent comedy play ‘The Odd Couple’ by Neil Simon. The 1968 film version, although made before my time, was a particular favourite of mine growing up, so I was intrigued to see if the humour was a strong in the stage play. The Odd Couple is the story of two mismatched friends. Oscar Madison and Felix Ungar. When Felix separates from his wife, he moves in with Oscar. Having two vastly differing personalities, the friends bicker and argue, each trying to gain the upper hand. Director Kim Croydon created an excellent production, his cast were strong, the set visually appealing and pace slick throughout.

The curtain raised to the familiar ‘The Odd Couple’ theme tune, bringing back memories of how wonderfully funny the original film was, setting the atmosphere, this was 1960’s New York, (Manhattan to be precise.) The set, the main living area of Oscar’s apartment, was bright, with bold colours and multiple exits leading to the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. The apartments main door, stage left, with a step up to it, impressively, opened and closed with no shaking of the surroundings or sticking in its frame. A window, rear stage right, revealed the Manhattan skyline in the distance. The stage was dressed with a round kitchen table, a small sofa, drinks cabinet and lots of beer cans, Oscar was a slob, his apartment clearly uncared for. The set design and build by Roger Astin and Warren Seddon was great, even in its cluttered state. I did like the use of all the exits at the same time in the scene where Oscar and his friends frantically searched for the missing Felix, it was visually pleasing and humorous. The step up to the main doorway gave the illusion of a dropped floor within the apartment’s main living area. As the door opened, a decorated hallway was visible beyond, likewise, the opening to the kitchen was ‘tiled’ pink, the smallest details attended to with care and attention. The props department, Martha Bowers, Fran Osborne, and Jacqui Shepherd, provided everything needed - this was a prop heavy show. The set dressing was era specific, going from cluttered and untidy to clean and pristine and dressed with cushions, frills, and tablecloth in the quick turnaround between scenes. I did like the use of ‘live’ food and drinks throughout the show, particularly the spaghetti as it hit the kitchen wall and slid to the floor. The burnt London Broil looked very unappealing adding to the humour of the scene. Great teamwork contributing to the finesse of the overall production. Lighting and sound by Paddy Keane and John Bradshaw were flawless throughout. Sound effects were prompt, whilst overall sound was clear, the actors projected naturally. Warm light filtered through the window during the daytime scenes, the stage lit brightly, romantic dimmed lighting opened act two as double date dinner loomed. There were no noticeable technical faults.

Oscar Madison, recently divorced, sportswriter, lived in his apartment amidst dirty clothes and discarded rubbish, holding weekly poker nights for his friends. The apartment smoke filled, with only warm Coke and mouldy sandwiches on offer. Richard Hubbard was excellent in this role. His New York City accent was impressive, staying constant throughout. Richard had fantastic comedy timing, his lines delivered with natural pace, his facial expressions as vocal as dialogue, especially during the crisp dropping scene. Gradually winding up under Oscar’s constant presence, the difference in their personalities and a botched double date, finally drove him to the edge. A powerful performance from Richard.

The bane of Oscar’s life, Felix Ungar, portrayed Chris Bowers, was meticulously clean, fastidious and a hypochondriac. Suicidal after his wife threw him out, he moved in with Oscar and at once changed the dirty apartment. Chris had the audience laughing aloud at his overly dramatic reaction to everything. Replacing his somber suit jacket for apron and oven gloves as he turned poker night into a tidy, sandwich filled affair. Chris has great chemistry with Richard, their dialogue flowing naturally as they butted heads. I loved the tiny dustpan and brush concealed in his pocket, a jolly funny touch to the scene. The nasal clearing scene was hilarious; Chris made the most annoyingly loud sound, pulled the silliest of faces. An excellent character portrayal from Chris.

Speed, played by Steve Cooke had a great NYC accent, laced with sarcasm for his peers. He was cantankerous, sporting a green card dealer's visor, took poker nights seriously and did not appreciate Felix fussing around in his apron disrupting play. With great comic timing, Steve was strong in this role. Playing the New York police officer, and poker friend Murray was Peter Lambert. Dressed in an NYPD t’shirt with tattoos on his arms, he was a gentle giant, genuinely concerned for Felix’s welfare. With well placed humour and fantastic facial expressions, Peter gave an impressive performance. Vinnie, played by Trevor Robins, was quieter than his peers, often on the receiving end of Speed’s acerbic wit. Trevor had an excellent NYC accent, his retorts were quick, comical. Oscar’s accountant Roy, played by Gerry Purchase, made up the final member of the poker playing friends. His dry sense of humour of jolly funny, his timing perfect. These four actors added much levity to their scenes, each character strong, the banter between them flowing naturally, comically tight.

Playing the English sisters Gwendolyn and Cecil Pigeon were Kella Bowers and Jennifer Spurrett, respectively. Living in the apartment upstairs from Oscar, they attended a double date, only to burst into tears, at Felix’s misfortunes and ruining Oscar’s romantic plans. Always together, looking fantastic in mini dresses and go-go boots. Brightly coloured to match their gregarious characters, their high-pitched laughter, and upper crust British accents made them an audience favourite. They were eccentric and very comical, two great performances from these actors.

I never like giving away too much of the plot, I consider it unfair to anyone who has not seen the show. I will say, if you did not see this production, then you missed a treat. It was from start to finish, slick, comical and very well executed. I would like to thank Stage Two Downham for inviting me to this wonderful production. Thanks to Kim Croydon, who looked after myself and my plus one throughout the evening. I look forward to many more productions from this society in the future.

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