The comedy arrives at Wyndham’s theatre with new cast members Lee Mack and Sarah Alexander.
After its premiere at the Chichester Festival in 2022, The Unfriend scored a West End transfer last year. Now, Steven Moffat’s comedy is returning again, as the show has booked a run at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre this winter.
The latest iteration of The Unfriend boasts a partially refreshed cast. Lee Mack (Not Going Out) takes on the role of Peter, with Sarah Alexander (Jonathan Creek) playing Debbie. Nick Samson (The Gold) is the Neighbour, while Frances Barber returns to her role as Elsa Jean Krakowski.
The Unfriend
While on holiday Peter and Debbie befriend Elsa: a lusty, Trump-loving widow from Denver, USA. She’s less than woke but kind of wonderful, so they agree to stay in touch – because no one ever really does, do they?
When Elsa invites herself to stay with the family a few months later, they decide to look her up online. But it’s too late: on learning the truth about Elsa Jean Krakowski, the deadly danger is already on a flight to London! What began as a casual holiday friendship is suddenly a threat to all their lives.
Peter and Debbie now face the ultimate challenge of the modern world – how do you protect all that you love from mortal peril without seeming a bit impolite?
Because guess who’s coming… to MURDER.
Lee Mack said:
“I’m delighted to be joining The Unfriend with the brilliant Sarah Alexander and the wonderful Frances Barber, and of course all the other amazing cast. It’s such a fantastically written play by Steven Moffat that I might even go the whole hog and learn the words.”
Director Mark Gatiss said:
“You can’t keep a good serial killer down! I’m absolutely delighted that Elsa Jean Krakowski has found a home at the beautiful Wyndham’s theatre and very much look forward to bringing Steven’s hilarious play back to the West End.”
Writer Steven Moffatt added:
“It’s a real thrill to welcome a couple of comedy legends on board The Unfriend, for our new run at the Wyndham’s Theatre. Lee Mack is one of the funniest men in the country and someone I’ve been wanting to work with for years. And Sarah Alexander is not just brilliant and hilarious, she’s an old friend from our days together on Coupling. Can’t wait to get started all over again.”
The Unfriend comes to Wyndham’s Theatre from 16th December 2023 to 9th March 2024.
For more information and to buy tickets, head to theunfriend.com