The Odd Couple (Female Version)

"The Odd Couple" is one of my personal, all-time favourite comedy films, so I was indeed curious to see a stage production of the comtemporary female version of this classic, also written by Neil Simon in 1985 and based on the same story line of two totally mismatched roommates, who after only three weeks of living together, have driven each other out of their minds.

As Director, Jennifer Scott-Reid has an eye for what makes a good production and this play was no exception.  On the night, Jennifer was also having to stage manage the performance; she's certainly one very versatile lady!

This is a great vehicle for the two leading ladies.  Teresa Hennessy excelled as Olive Madison, the slovenly, recently divorced sports newscaster, happily living in her trashy surroundings, with little in the way of wholesome food to provide for her friends, who've come to spend the evening playing Trivial Pursuits.  Teresa brought a real sense of joie de vivre to this larger than life character, who's still apparently supporting her gambling ex-husband financially.  In strong contrast, as Florence Unger, Olive's close friend, Sue Grant brought a lovely touch of edginess to her role as the fastidious hypochondriac, who's seemingly suicidal after being thrown out by her husband after 18 years of marriage and moves in with Olive.  Sue acted out so convincingly all the neurosis of Florence's complex character.  Well done, ladies!

In this female version, Olive and Florence's friends, as a group of avid players of Trivial Pursuits, replace the poker players in the original play.  Good supporting roles here from Jean Schofield, as Vera, portraying the more mildly mannered and slightly henpecked member of the group; Rachel Betts was suitably assertive, as Mickey, a member of the local police force, who's desperate for a baby, whilst Judy Curry brought an edge of sarcasm to her role as Sylvie and Jenny Whyte, as Renee, added the required touch of dry wit to her performance.

One of the high-lights of the play is the amusing scene, when Olive has invited the two Spanish brothers living in the flat above, to a dinner party.  Peter Clyne, as Manolo and Keith Nuttall, as Jesus, were a class comedy duo, with wonderfully expressive Spanish accents, who almost had the audience in tears, alongside Florence, when they expressed their sudden regrets at having left their wives back in Spain, whilst sympathising with Florence's current situation - great acting!  Ultimately, the brothers offer Florence refuge, when Olive finally loses patience and throws her out!

The open set, designed by the in-house team, very realistically depicted the typical interior of a high-rise apartment, with entrance door upstage and doors to kitchen and bathroom "off" to left and right.  In Act 1, Olive's living room, with all its detritus, is set for the evening's game of Trivial Pursuits.  In Act 2, there is a gradual transition from chaos to the almost obsessive order, nicely hinted at by use of suitable props, well-managed by Clare Anstead, with well-timed lighting cues from Lesley Talbot.

Overall, this was another slick, confident and thoroughly enjoyable performance by this talented group.  Thank you Clavering Players.

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