The Unfriend

The Unfriend tells the story of Peter and Debbie who befriend American Elsa whilst on a cruise.  They think they have made a harmless holiday acquaintance, until Elsa (and her luggage) turn up, somewhat uninvited, to stay.  Even when they discover Elsa’s rather worrying past their ‘British’ good manners prevent them from asking her to leave and Elsa quickly ingratiates herself with their children making herself fully at home in their small suburban home, somewhere near London.

The opening scenes were recorded and played on a large screen – seemingly set on the cruise ship where the couple meet Elsa Jean Krakowski (Michele Stevenson).  Even on this first meeting it’s clear that for Peter and Debbie the holiday friendship is more than enough.  Stevenson was wonderfully exuberant as pushy and opinionated Elsa.  She emphasised the overbearing traits in her character and perfectly captured the Trump-loving, vaccine-denying, brash American with a consistent and clear accent throughout.

Michael Sutton as Peter Lindell and Alison Westwood as Debbie Lindell were the epitome of British awkwardness.  Sutton ensured his character repeatedly put his foot in it and Westwood had a wonderful, frustrated persona throughout.  Their looks of surprise, shock and horror increased throughout the play as they came to understand more of their ‘guests’ history.   Both Sutton and Westwood presented as accomplished actors who were well suited to these roles, totally making them their own.

The children of the household were played by Finlay Woodcock as Alex and Eve Taylor as Rosie.  Both perfectly found the truculent teenagers the script demanded.  Woodcock moved with ease from a Harry Enfield-esque teenage boy to a fitness fanatic under the guidance of their new houseguest.  Taylor was an angry, shouty girl who became loving and kind when influenced by Elsa.  Both young actors managed the script well and were great in the roles.

Dominic Vinton as ‘The Neighbour’ managed to keep a wonderful straight face and uptight physicality even when called out by Elsa - “You’re a tiny bit passive aggressive, aren’t you?”  Richard Watson as PC Junkin was suitably enthusiastic to the point of giddiness and completely oblivious to the crimes in his midst – very funny.  The script is excellent.  There is perhaps a little too much toilet-humour, but The Thespians managed that with their usual professional approach.

The set was excellent and very well put together.  The audio-visual excerpts were well-performed and excellently edited – the front door scene was spot on.  There wasn’t a single technical hitch during the production and congratulations should go to the lighting and sound designers and operators who managed this well, ensuring that the pace of the play was maintained throughout.  Costumes were appropriate and Stevenson did an excellent job of even co-ordinating bracelets to each outfit – some wonderful outlandish attire!

The whole production was delivered as a fabulous sit com, up close and personal, in the intimate setting.  Sincere congratulations to the play’s director, Alistair Cheetham, for putting together a great production which was hugely entertaining.

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