The Odd Couple - Female Version

Neil Simon’s work is well known and well loved and I was looking forward to this production, knowing it was in the capable hands of this company.

I was not disappointed, the play moved at a good pace and the simple setting worked extremely well.   I do like watching plays in the Dixon Studio as you feel part of the performance.  Whilst this can be disconcerting for the cast, it is excellent for the audience and it was important that we really felt we were sharing in the action.

All the cast were very good and the two main characters; Olive Madison, played by Sally Lightfoot, and Florence Unger, played by Stephanie Wilson; produced the quintessential discord that is so important to this play.  You couldn’t fault either performance and they were a joy to watch.

The other characters were also strongly portrayed, Samantha Anderson (Sylvie) Kate Andrews (Mickey) Sue Morley (Vera) and Debbie Smallbone as Renee.  Due to the unfortunate illness of the original Actress due to play Renee, Debbie stepped into this part on the opening night without having seen the rehearsals.  Full credit must go to her for a very good performance with virtually no rehearsals.  Even her discrete use of the script was professional, well done Debbie.

Finally a mention for the two males in the play, Ian Benson (Manolo) and Chris Lidgard (Jesus) perfectly portrayed with just the right level of pastiche for the characters.

I thought that the play was extremely good, full credit to guest director Mike Clements for a well crafted production.  The nice thing about the Dixon is that mics are not required and all the cast projected well, giving us plenty of opportunity to enjoy the well written script.

Another good evening’s entertainment from LTC, thank you.

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