In prolific television British writer Steven Moffat’s first play THE UNFRIEND, Debbie and Peter are an average, ‘normal’ British couple who have been enjoying a holiday on a cruise ship.
They have been chatting on the ship’s deck to Elsa Krakowsky , a flirtatious, unabashed American woman. They have enjoyed the chat but have to go and pack their bags, as the ship is about to dock. Elsa, who is already packed to leave, suggests that they should stay in touch. The couple give her their details.
Scene 2 transports us to the living room of the couple’s house. Debbie is vehemently arguing with her husband. Elsa is due to arrive in a few days.
As one day tends to do these days, Debbie has done a Google search on Elsa Krakowsky and found that she is a convicted criminal. Much worse, she is a murderer. A multiple murderer.
There is panic. How can they stop her from coming? It just can’t happen. They have sensitive teenage children. What if she decides to attack again?
As they are working out a strategy about what to do, the doorbell rings. They answer the door and it is none other than Elsa Krakowsky, who thought that she would just arrive a few days early. The couple welcome her and get her to take a seat on the sofa.
Moffat’s play has announced itself, on two main levels. It is theatre of the absurd. Think no further than that a convicted multiple murderer does not get around enjoying enjoying cruise ships or any freedom at all. The play is written in a deliberately provocative, off kilter, crooked painting style.
THE UNFRIEND is also a comedy of manners. Across the centuries of British theatre, there have been many plays written in this genre. Think, for instance, Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward.
The Brits are well known for their civility, their genteelness. The challenge for Debbie and Tim is whether they can break through their steely reserve, tell Ms Krakowsky to get up from their sofa and f… off? She is a murderer, after all. Or is it just too hard for them to do? A bridge too far?
Simon Phillips, one of Australia’s finest directors, together with associate director Kenneth Moraleda, steer the play on its comic and often riotous course.
The cast had a superbly created stage world for them to work in, giving them every opportunity to shine. There was Isabel Hudson’s finely detailed set (first the deck of a cruise ship which then gives way to a fully expansive view of the living room of the couple’s house) and costumes, veteran STC lighting designer Nick Schlieper, highly skilled video designer Sam Cheng, and voice and text director Charmian Gradwell.
Helen Thomson, one of Australia’s finest actresses with a particular gift for comedy, is the Unfriend character of the title, the irresistible lead, the one and only Elsa Krakowski.
Wife Debbie describe Elsa as Murder Poppins with good reason. Whilst Elsa is a murderer, during her stay she is incredibly good to the children and the family somehow feels more peaceful. Elsa perplexes Debbie and Peter; she is something of a conundrum…
Alex Lee as Debbie and Tim Walter as Peter play the traditionally reserved middle class British couple. Lee’s Debbie is the bolder of the two whilst Peter is fairly much lives in his shell.
Veteran actor Huw Higginson gives a fine comic performance as their neighbour, simply called the neighbour. Under the pretext of sorting out an issue with their dividing fence, Huw’s neighbour is forever inveigling himself in their house. In fact he does this so much that half the time, to begin with, Peter doesn’t even know he is in the house!
Brooklyn Davies as Rosie and Ty Arnott as Alex give finely tuned performances as two loud, outspoken adolescents. They get to play some of the play’s strongest moments with Brooklyn’s Rosie squabbling at Alex’s lack of hygiene and tidiness, and Ty’s Alex making flopping motions in the living room in exasperation at what he perceives as his parents’ nonsensical behaviour.
Ben Wood plays Probationary Constable Junkin, a brief comic role, but a good one, and he nails it. Comic complications happen when the Constable, after entering the house, has an urgent call of nature.
Very entertaining, this play takes many turns on its journey. Boredom isn’t a factor you need to consider. Steven Moffat’s THE UNFRIEND. directed by Simon Phillips, is playing the Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay until the 31st October 2026.
Production photography by Prudence Upton
