The Odd Couple

It was a pleasure to return once again to the very welcoming Grange Playhouse and I looked forward to the performance of the female version of The Odd Couple, described as a delightfully funny play. I was unfamiliar with the play but understood it to be about the bonds of friendship tested when two very different people find themselves sharing the same living space.

The play started off with a gang of four friends, generally strong female characters who prove they can get along just fine without men, who are gathered in Olive’s apartment playing a game of Trivial Pursuit. The last member of the group, Florence is characteristically late. A phone call revealed that Florence’s husband had thrown her out. She showed up at the gathering distraught and depressed, having nowhere to go. Her friends feared she would commit suicide. Olive offered to let Florence stay with her in her apartment. They lived together until the pair could no longer stand each other and that, essentially was the plot. Emotions ran high as Olive and Florence clashed about nearly everything but by the end of the play Olive and Florence grew into being happier, more self sufficient and positive about where life could take them.

The set design was well suited to the play: simple, spacious, and entirely set in Olive’s New York apartment. A view out the window suggested an American skyline view. The set had one archway constructed leading to the offstage kitchen and another that led to the bedrooms. A table and chairs were set for the friends’ weekly game, with the main entrance opposite. Key props included a telephone, period specific, and a table laid with Olive’s inedible sandwiches and snacks for her guests. Although the apartment was not untidy, there were hints of Olive’s disorganisation. The sound effects and lighting were well timed and effective.

Dawn Vigurs did a wonderful job of casting the right people in the right roles who could act well, especially Charlotte Pilbeam who played Olive Madison, and Emily McKay, who played Florence Unger. The action was staged well and there were some comedic moments. Much depended on the snappy pace of the dialogue, it needed rapid fire banter, and I believe this would have been well rehearsed for there were no hesitations in any line delivery. Dawn’s direction struck the right balance in other areas too, for example, in the scene where the two Spanish neighbours made a social call, the humour came from the cultural misunderstanding not from them being silly. They were portrayed as sincere characters with good intentions.  The four friends playing Trivial Pursuit blended and the chatter felt natural and yet their distinct personalities shone through. Their pacing could have been tighter, but they drew in the audience and made us feel part of the game, nonetheless. The four friends showed up at various intervals throughout the play.

Charlotte Pilbeam’s Olive Madison commanded the stage from the outset with a relaxed, carefree presence. Outspoken and untidy, Olive also revealed genuine warmth through her loyalty to her friends and her generous responses to her ex-husband’s repeated requests for money.

Though generally mild-mannered, she conveyed growing irritation with Florence through well-timed deadpan one-liners. It was a polished and convincing performance. Emily McKay’s Florence provided a perfect contrast: fussy, intensely anxious, and driven by a compulsive need for order. Emily captured every nuance of the role, creating a distinct and memorable character. Her voice suited Florence well, becoming rapid and breathless in moments of anxiety, while her nervous gestures, vivid expressions, and frantic outbursts were highly effective.

Her constant psychosomatic symptoms were always over the top, including her sinus snorting, Emily was hilarious. Characters, Olive and Florence played each other very well in this play; the chemistry between them was palpable.

In Act Two, Florence and Olive arranged a date night in the apartment with two charming Spanish brothers who live in the same apartment block. Their scenes together allow the humour to emerge naturally from language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. Chris Lambeth, as Manolo Costazuela, captured the character’s smooth charm perfectly, fully committing to both the accent and the physical mannerisms. Jay McKay, as Jesus Costazuela, built an engaging and believable rapport with his brother, and their comic exchanges were lively and effective.

As a play about female friendship and support, this theme was reinforced by the ensemble of women who met each week to play Trivial Pursuit. Their reactions and facial expressions were well judged, and their American accents were mostly consistent, though varied slightly. The group cast included Molly Hill as Sylvie, who delivered several amusing one-liners; Kathryn Vance as the very credible Vera; Jill Simkin as the exasperated Renee and Kay Munday who played the likeable but gruff police officer, Mickey, who delivered some effective comic moments. The Trivial Pursuit sequences highlighted the strength of ensemble timing with banter that felt fluid and natural.

This was a well-cast production under Dawn Vigurs assured direction. The actors played their part with sincerity and deft comic timing. It was a very enjoyable evening of entertainment. Thank you for inviting me.

Ann Escrit, Regional Representative District 7

Having now managed to see several players performed by The Grange Players I anticipate attending a quality production. Like Ann, the Regional Representative I had not seen this play before. To be honest, I don’t think I ever watched the TV series (male) which hit our screens in the 1970’s. I was however aware of the theme music.

The female version is set in the 1980’s. It opened on Broadway in 1985. It was not until 2001 that the play opened on the West End.

Ann has captured perfectly the characters and the overall effect of the play. Each of the actors captured a character alongside mannerisms wonderful and delivered some wonderful one liners. The set and props were all good, I must admit to laughing on the appearance of the burnt and smoking meal – a master stroke.   

I was delighted to be able to speak with Dawn as well as a few cast members on the evening I attended.

My congratulations once again to The Grange Players. I was awaiting with anticipation the announcement for their 2026 – 27 season.  This is now public and I cannot wait to see wonderful forthcoming productions.   

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands

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