The Odd Couple (Female Version)

Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple (Female Version) is a witty, character-driven comedy that flips the original male-centric story on its head, offering a fresh perspective through the lens of female friendship, quirks, and chaos. The play centres around Olive Madison, a laid-back, messy sportswriter, and Florence Unger, a neurotic neat-freak recently separated from her husband. Their mismatched personalities collide when Florence moves in with Olive, leading to a series of hilarious and heartfelt moments that explore the complexities of companionship and compromise.

This was my first visit to PADOS House, and what a lovely experience it turned out to be. From the moment I arrived, the set was already in place, immediately intriguing the minds of audience members and sparking curiosity about what was about to unfold. The attention to detail within the set was truly remarkable. From the dining room furniture and plates to the entrance and exit into the kitchen, every element was thoughtfully arranged. The workable serving hatch window was a particular highlight, it was used fantastically well throughout the characters’ dialogue and interactions, adding a dynamic layer to the staging and allowing for seamless transitions and comedic timing.

In the opening scene, we’re introduced to the group of friends gathered for their regular Trivial Pursuit night. The pace, dialogue, and interaction between the ladies were spot-on, it almost reminded me of an episode of The Golden Girls. Each character’s personality was quickly and clearly established through their mannerisms, body language, and vocal delivery. The chemistry among the cast was palpable, and their timing was impeccable, making the banter feel natural and engaging.

First and foremost, I must take my hat off to Carole Taylor, who stepped into the role of Olive Madison with less than three weeks to prepare. Her dry humour and clever comedic timing were a joy to watch. Carole had the audience engaged and laughing throughout, and her expressive facial reactions added an extra layer of hilarity, you could often read her thoughts before she even spoke. Olive Madison is a character who thrives on chaos and sarcasm, and Carole embodied that beautifully, bringing warmth and wit to the role.

Meredith Collinson as Florence Unger was equally impressive. Florence is the polar opposite of Olive, prim, proper, and obsessively clean. Meredith captured Florence’s neurotic energy with finesse, balancing vulnerability and intensity in a way that made her both sympathetic and amusing. Her emotional breakdowns were delivered with just the right amount of theatrical flair, and her interactions with Olive were a masterclass in comedic contrast. Charlotte Elmitt brought a sharp edge and sass to Sylvie, delivering her lines with confidence and a touch of mischief. Diane Manship played Mickey with grounded realism, portraying the character’s no-nonsense attitude and loyalty with ease. Emma Ferguson, as Renee, had a wonderful presence on stage, her character’s blend of sarcasm and warmth added depth to the group dynamic. Marion Rowbottom as Vera was delightfully quirky, and her timing in delivering punchlines was spot-on.

Jason Dunk and Nick Haworth, playing the Costazuela brothers Manolo and Jesus, were a comedic highlight. Their accents were consistent and believable, and their physical comedy and flirtatious interactions with Olive and Florence brought a fresh burst of energy to the second act. Their timing was perfect, and they played off each other brilliantly, creating memorable moments that had the audience in stitches.

Michael Lawlor did a wonderful job directing this production. His ability to work with proxemics, how characters use space on stage, was evident throughout. The blocking felt natural and purposeful, and the use of the set’s various entrances and exits kept the energy flowing. The serving hatch was used cleverly to enhance comedic exchanges, and the pacing of scenes was generally well-maintained.

The only slight issue I had was the length of time between set changes. While I understand these transitions can be challenging, the pauses did slightly disrupt the flow of the performance. That said, the cast and crew quickly regained momentum, and the audience remained engaged throughout.

Overall, The Odd Couple (Female Version) at PADOS House was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre. The cast delivered strong, memorable performances, the set design was immersive and detailed, and the direction brought out the best in Simon’s witty script. It was a pleasure to witness such talent and dedication on stage, and I look forward to returning to PADOS House for future productions.

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