The Unfriend

THE UNFRIEND by the writer of many well-known TV shows, Steven Moffat, is a farce.    Brash American Elsa, having met quiet unassuming middle-class, middle-aged couple, Peter and Debbie, while on a cruise, befriends them.    Somehow the couple find themselves reluctantly housing her for an indefinite period in spite of their misgivings, arising out of their internet search that revealed her murky past, including murder!

This farce plays out on a set covering kitchen/diner and living room with stairs leading to an unseen upper floor.    It was representative of the couple’s status in a comfortable and stylist manner.    The short, introductory scene on the deck of a cruise, was played out on chairs at the front which were easily removed.    There was good attention to detail such as washing up on the draining board and the fridge covered in typical family mementos.   The book ends, plants, board games and posters gave the set a homely feel. .   It was good to see that the suitcases were lifted to suggest they were heavy. 

The costumes were good with all members of the cast in appropriate outfits for their age; teen garb for the youngers, dresses, skirts, blouses for Debbie and Elsa in an array of outlandish outfits.   There was a uniform for the policeman and the men, Peter and the Neighbour were suitably dressed in regular everyday clothes.

The stage was well lit, with one area emphasised when Peter and Debbie were looking at the computer.  There was convincing use of the sound effect of a car arriving.   

Although this is largely a comedy – and a very funny one – it also has serious undertones.  At first glance Elsa has taken advantage of the good nature of the couple but due to insightful thoughts and conversations with the teenagers, they both bloom with her intervention.   This comedy of manners, based on British awkwardness was funny, even in the tense atmosphere while Peter and Debbie are telling Elsa they want her to leave; but it didn’t go the way they rehearsed!     Her web of lies gets more complicated and farcical. However, with brisk direction from Penny Young, the action moved swiftly in the hands of a capable and talented cast.     There were quite a few laughs based on the personal embarrassment of the situation, such as when Peter rants rudely about The Neighbour, only to realise he is within ear shot!  However, I did find the toilet humour aspect a little unnecessary and a bit long.    Overall, this was a well performed, heartily enjoyable and fast-moving production.

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