Girls take over in ‘treat’ of a comedy at Kenilworth theatre

Neil Simon’s comedy The Odd Couple is perhaps better known for its male-dominated screen version which starred Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, but the playwright has moved it on to a 1980s setting and exchanged the main characters’ sexes.

Oscar and Felix are replaced by Olive and Florence who, instead of playing poker each week when they meet up with four other friends, play Trivial Pursuit.

Olive, despite the advice of her friends, takes pity on Florence when she is abandoned by her husband and invites her to stay. The interference of two attractive young Spanish men who live upstairs causes increased complications.

Stuart Lawson, director of the Priory’s production, said: “For anyone who remembers the Matthau/Lemmon version, they will find this every bit as funny. For those unfamiliar with the film, they are in for a treat.”

The Odd Couple is showing at the theatre in Rosemary Hill from Wednesday until Saturday September 17 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7.50 (concessions £6.50). Call 863334 between 2pm and 8pm or go online.