★★★★★
As a nation, we are characterised by socially-conditioned politeness. The “stiff upper lip” mentality is so intrinsically rooted in our own consciousness that you’d rather implode than appear rude. No matter the situation, British etiquette mandates that we exhibit good manners at all times. But can this rigid courteousness prove fatal?
Former Doctor Who showrunner and Sherlock co-creator Steven Moffat puts the “emotionally constipated” British stereotype to the ultimate test in his debut comedy play – The Unfriend. The production premiered last year at the Chichester Festival Theatre and following a successful run, it received a West End transfer to the Criterion Theatre where it is currently performing.
Directed by his Sherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss, the premise of the play is something the majority of us will have experienced at some point on our holidays. You strike up a casual friendship with someone on holiday and inevitably get stuck with them, usually ending with the two sides exchanging contact details. Quite often these well-meant promises to keep in touch never materialise. But this is not the case for poor Peter and Debbie (played by Reece Shearsmith and Amanda Abbington), a middle-class couple whose holiday friend, Elsa Jean Krakowski (played by Frances Barber), suddenly invites herself to their home.
Unfortunately for them, Elsa’s not your ordinary house guest. If her penchant for political incorrectness wasn’t enough for the demure couple, a quick Google search reveals that Elsa may actually be a serial murderer. However, their attempts at confronting their gregarious guest are thwarted by the couple’s overpowering urge to remain polite.
The sitcom-style premise sets the stage for hilarious confrontations which are perfectly executed by a killer cast and an exquisite blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue and an engaging family dynamic.
Moffat demonstrates a strong knack for comedic pacing, with each joke landing with impeccable timing and a steady build-up of awkward tension in the gags culminating in uproarious laughter from the audience. Paired with an array of all-too relatable scenarios, from the pestering neighbour who insists they “won’t be long” to lethargic teenagers who can’t tear themselves away from their devices, we get a laugh-out loud farcical comedy that can be both poignant and inclusive.
The production also boasts creative reunions as Mark Gatiss directs his League of Gentlemen co-star Reece Shearsmith as well as Amanda Abbington, who previously worked alongside Gatiss in Sherlock. The pair share great comedic chemistry with Abbington’s weary and emotionally reticent Debbie perfectly offsetting Shearsmith’s hysterical portrait of the uptight cynic Peter. Shearsmith particularly excels with his impeccable mannerisms, exhibiting life’s comic absurdity through his neurotic outbursts which are executed to comedic perfection.
Abbington is also a joy to watch as she embodies stoicism and maternal strength, with her gradual descent into family chaos leading to many funny payoffs. Frances Barber is a pure delight as the brash outspoken Elsa, who is as much grotesque as she is glamorous. She clearly relishes in the brash and salacious nature of her character, yet also conveys a strange warmth which eventually rubs off on the whole family.
It is this peculiar motherly quality to Elsa which gives the play a touching, emotional aspect. Through the influence of “Murder Poppins”, as coined by Debbie, we see the children teenagers Alex and Rosie (Gabriel Howell and Maddie Holliday) transformed from stroppy youths into pleasant and charming young adults. The more tender moments shared between the family members really do pull at your heart strings, performance and production giving the scenes a genuine quality.
With stellar performances, superb writing and endless amounts of laughs, The Unfriend offers the perfect antidote to January Blues. It’s certainly a comedy to die for.
Words by Katie Heyes
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