On February 27, SUDS (Stirling University Drama Society) brought The Odd Couple back from the 80’s and into the Macrobert Art Centre for their last night of sold-out shows.
Neil Simon’s 1965 Broadway play was tackled by first-time director and producer Ellie Scoffield and Oliver O’Hare, who chose to pitch the 1985 female adaptation of the original play. Scoffield said: “This play has been one of my favourites ever since I performed it in high school.”
Plot
A dramatic U-turn from SUDS’ last play, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, The Odd Couple follows two recent divorcees who, on the verge of madness, decide to move in together. What ensues is rising tension that culminates into complete hatred for each other. This is witnessed by a cast of dramatic friends who visit weekly to gossip and play Trivial Pursuit.
Olive, played by Madelynne Kestner, is a messy and bold woman who loves eating takeaway and hates people tending to her. Florence, played by Audrey Linton, is an anxious clean freak who loves to cook and tend to Olive.
The lead actresses were perfectly entertaining. Kestner’s character flowed with ease and it felt like she wasn’t acting at times. Linton portrayed her nervous but assertive housewife with manic comedy.
Comedic Highlights
Charlie Grant in drag as Renee had the audience, and myself, in tears with his hysterics. He offered SUDS the comedic advantage of using his real voice as well as his fake, female voice to deliver his lines.
Olive and Florence decide to go on a double date. What follows is the introduction of their Spanish neighbours Manolo and Jesus, played by Tenny Finlow and Sofia Carlotta. The pair had perfect comedic timing and gave the audience relief from Olive and Florence’s growing distaste for each other.
Backstage
The set was super 80s with string curtains and ugly wallpaper. The cast interacted with the set, moving between the sofa and chairs – or jumping over them to fight each other, in the case of Olive and Audrey.
Pre-recorded audio was played in scenes where the characters moved around off-stage. The surround sound was also a clever move and immersed audiences further into the show.
The hair, makeup and costumes were carefully considered, bringing big hair to the big personalities on the stage.
Overall
The ending was slightly abrupt but clever in showing that the character’s lives continue after the show.
SUDS gave audiences two nights of chaos and laughter. They are performing a series of shorts at the end of the semester, which I’m sure will be worth the wait.
Image credits: Paul Cowie
Featured image credit: Paul Cowie
Fourth-year English and Journalism student.
News Editor 2024/25.
Get in touch at news@brignews.com.
