The Odd Couple – female version

Still waiting for their new theatre to be completed, Roleystone Theatre are presenting their latest production, the female version of The Odd Couple, at Don Russell Performing Arts Centre. Originally created in the 1980s, this incarnation has been updated to the present day, and reset in Perth.

Instead of unlikely flatmates Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, this version sees frustrated, newly separated housewife Florence Unger, move into the home of slovenly sportswriter Olive Madison. A group of friends who meet for a weekly girls’ night of Trivial Pursuit, replace the poker buddies of the original play.

Despite the temporary venue, director Simon James has created a very solid traditional box set that is well decorated to create Olive’s messy apartment, and later impressively transformed under the neat-freak influence of Florence.

A show that offers lots of opportunity for female actors, this production is nicely cast. Kylie Calwell is believable as the very relaxed, messy, and generous Olive, working well opposite Fiona Blakely, convincing as the more tense, well dressed, and neat Florence.

The friends of these unlikely flatmates work well as a team. Sharon Mobilia is upright and forthright as police officer Mickey, Ashlee McKenna brings sex-appeal to man-mad Renee, Monique Nelson has lovely timing as the rather dim Vera, with Lys Tickner very nicely completing the quartet as outspoken Sylvie.

Love interests of sorts, Spanish brothers Manolo and Jesus, are played by Titouan Lesourd and Nathan Bonham, both making promising debuts. For Titouan this is his first appearance in Australia, switching a natural French accent for a Spanish one, while Nathan makes his stage debut.

While not always as pacy as it might be, and some delivery a little stilted, The Odd Couple provides lots of laughs and was clearly enjoyed by the audience. Probably funnier than the original version, this production will be enjoyed by fans of Trivial Pursuit, lovers of Neil Simon, and those who like a good female-led script.

Kimberley Shaw