The Unfriend

The Unfriend’ is described as ‘An uproarious comedy and a riotous pleasure’ and indeed it was.

The play centres on a married couple Peter and Debbie who, while on a cruise, meet up with Elsa Jean Krakowski a rather brash American lady. Having suggested to Elsa that she might like to look them up when they get home, little did Peter and Debbie bank on what lay ahead when Elsa does in fact visit the family and cause havoc as they realise that they might have a  serial killer in their home.

This was a very well cast play with each player convincing in their presentation.

Gareth Glen and Louise Glen  both gave believable, animated performances as the middle class parents of two stroppy teenagers and who are trying to find out the truth about their unwelcome visitor whilst keeping their children safe. Both Peter and Debbie had fairly lengthy monologues and rants which were delivered with great feeling and emotion leaving us in no doubt that they were both at the end of their tether trying to find a diplomatic way of getting rid of their unwanted guest.

Hamish McCormack and Abigail Robertson  were most convincing teenagers Alex and Rose who typically find difficulty communicating appropriately with their parents and are determined that their way is the right way. Good to see some up and coming young talent in the company.

Norma KInnear was fabulous as the loud mouthed Elsa. Always appearing as cool as a cucumber and almost patronising it was hard to believe that beneath this calm, friendly exterior was a woman who had commited several murders and we were left hanging on to the very end to find out whether or not she was about to commit another crime. Despite her wicked side, she slyly managed to change the attitudes of the teenagers and bring the family together. I thought the police mug shots were wonderful !

Poor Peter’s patience is stretched to the limit in dealing with his persistent, boring neighbour who has an obsession about a crumbling adjoing wall. Gordon Roberts was suitably dull and almost unaware of the stress and tension he was causing even when Peter lost patience with him and had a near breakdown. The opening of Act 2 was brilliant when the neighbour who was never given a name is sitting on the sofa expressionless and showing no emotion whatsoever. The power of silence was at its best here.

The minor role of P.C. Junkin was well played by Andrew Kermack who probably had the funniest scene in the play when he visits the toilet and he certainly made the most of it.

There was a great rapport between all of the characters all of whom went through a catalogue of emotions exceedingly well. Actions and reactions to what was happening were spot on. The whole piece moved along at a good pace with each character timing their lines well and not afraid to pause.

A simple, compact living room set fitted neatly into this small venue which provided an intimacy between the players and the audience who were not afraid to laugh out loud.

This was a most entertaining production where even in the more serious moments the comedy was not far away. Well done to all involved in presenting a thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.