The Odd Couple- Female Version

Tynemouth Priory Theatre has over the years developed a reputation for performing and delivering outstanding plays and their production of The Odd Couple was no exception. Dave Cooper as Director brough out all the wit and humour that the original play written by Neil Simpson produced when it premiered in 1965 which resulted in 4 Tony awards. The play later transpired into a film before becoming a popular television series.

This all-female adaptation of the play was released in the 80’s, it retains all the wit and humour of the original play but centres around a group of female friends all with very different personalities who enjoying their weekly trivial pursuit night in Olive’s messy apartment. As the storey unfolds it was at one of those evening gatherings that Florence arrives, having being dumped by her husband. Fearful that the neurotic Florence might attempt suicide, Olive invites her to move in as her roommate. However, Olive and Florence have very different personalities. Where Olive is messy, untidy, and unconcerned about the state of her apartment, Florence is obsessively clean, tidy, and obsessed with hygiene. Olive’s easy-going outlook on life soon clashes with Florence’s highly-strung neurotic tendencies, testing their friendship to the limit. When Olive organises a double date with their neighbours the Costazuela brothers, their differences come to a head and sparks fly.

Congratulations to both wardrobe the costumes suited each character and to Tony Hall for set design , I am always amazed at the quality of the set and props that Tynemouth Prior Theatre provide, and The Odd Couple was no exception, the set looked fantastic which included a Kitchen and lounge complete with an original sash window that opened, it visually looked remarkable and its these little touches that makes all the difference and authentic, no the wonder the cast perform so well it was like living in Olive’s real apartment. The sound was good, and the lighting certainly enhanced the performance thanks to James Elliot and Andy Gilmore.

Congratulations to the casting team, all the parts were perfectly selected and beautifully portrayed, enabling a great sense of chemistry between the actors. The script is full of comedy and one liner’s which the cast were able to deliver and the response from the audience was very positive.  

The two female central role characters were Olive and Florence, both very different personalities and characters and both actors delivered their performances perfectly. There was excellent chemistry between these actors. Olive played by Rachel Hardy, who from the minute she stepped on the stage was in full control, excellent delivery of her character and I loved the telephone interaction with her ex-husband trying hard not to financially support his gambling habit whilst at the same time giving in to his request, great acting ability. Whilst Florence played by Jennifer Woods brough the humour to the stage due to her neurotic behaviour dusting and cleaning at every opportunity, she had great comic timing and her scenes and delivery was executed perfectly, you couldn’t fault either of their performances, they were a joy to watch and never let the momentum drop.

Lyndsey Spark delivered a very funny portrayal of Vera the more quitter, mildly mannered yet dizzy of the friends, I loved this character and looked forward to hearing what she was going to say next, a good performance and good interaction with her fellow actors.

Brooke Milburn played the character Mickey; she delivered a very straight casual performance and delivered her character well very much in line with her occupation of a cop always suspicious of her surroundings. Lovely interaction with the fellow cast.

Helen Bowman played the role of Sylvie whose character was down to earth and a constant chain smoker, I loved this straight-talking no-nonsense character who delivered some great comic moments especially when she got frustrated with her friends.

Finally concluding the female line up was Elsie Koerner as Renee the more outspoken of the friends, she had an excellent ability to bring out the very dry sarcasm in her character beautiful portrayal and very funny.

The parts of the two Costazuela brothers played by Adam Swalwell as Manolo and Danny Patterson as Jesus were just so funny, they had the audience in stiches with their superb Spanish accents both delivered their lines with great accents, and both had great comic timing, they were a joy to watch.

This play was delivered at great pace, well directed and beautifully performed by a small group of very talented actors. A massive thank you to the front of house team who made me feel extremely welcomed and I hope to see you all at Tynemouth Priory Theatre at you pantomime Humpty Dumpty in January 2024.

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