In The Unfriend, directed by Mark Gatiss

Inside No 9’s Reece Shearsmith is heading to the West End, starring in a new comedy from former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat.

The Unfriend transfers from London in January following a successful run at Chichester Festival Theatre earlier this year.

Shearsmith will again be reunited with his League Of Gentleman colleague Mark Gatiss, who directs, as well as  Amanda Abbington and Frances Barber who co-starred in the original run.

Moffat said: ‘I am beyond thrilled that The Unfriend is going to the West End. Working on this show with my old friend, Mark, and my new friends, the amazing cast and crew, has been one of the happiest experiences of my professional life. They’ve all been very kind to a beginner."

Gatiss added: ‘I’m absolutely chuffed to be bringing The Unfriend to the Criterion after a joyous time in Chichester.  What we all need now is a really good laugh and Steven’s gloriously naughty play brings that in spades.

The Unfriend revolves around  Peter and Debbie, who strike up a holiday friendship with Elsa, a lusty, Trump-loving widow from Denver, Colorado, and agree to stay in touch - never for one moment expecting to. But then she turns up in their suburban home, and threatens their whole family… but how can they get her out of their house  without seeming a bit impolite?

Also in the cast are Michael Simkins, Marcus Onilude, Gabriel Howell and Maddie Holliday.

The Unfriend opens at the Criterion Theatre from January 15 to April 16, with the official first night on January 19. Tickets went on sale at 9am here.

• Chortle’s four-star review of the Chichester run of The Unfriend.

Published: 21 Sep 2022