Mark Gatiss’ production of Steven Moffat’s THE UNFRIEND to transfer to West End in January 2023

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Playful Productions have announced that Chichester Festival Theatre’s critically acclaimed, sold-out production of Steven Moffat’s riotous and effortlessly entertaining comedy The Unfriend will transfer to the Criterion Theatre for a limited season from 15 January-16 April 2023.

Directed by Mark Gatiss, the full original cast reunite for the West End transfer, featuring Reece Shearsmith (Inside No.9), Amanda Abbington (Sherlock) and Frances Barber (Silk) with Michael Simkins, Marcus Onilude, Gabriel Howell and Maddie Holliday.

Steven 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."

Mark Gatiss said: “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.”

While on holiday Peter and Debbie befriend Elsa: a lusty, Trump-loving widow from Denver, USA.  She’s less than woke but kind of wonderful. They agree to stay in touch - because no one ever really does, do they?

When Elsa invites herself to stay a few months later, they decide to look her up online. Too late, they learn the truth about Elsa Jean Krakowski. Deadly danger has just boarded a flight to London! What began as a casual holiday friendship is now a threat to the lives of their children.  

Peter and Debbie now face the ultimate challenge of the modern world - how do you protect all that you love from mortal peril without seeming a bit impolite? 

Because guess who’s coming… to MURDER.

The Unfriend is designed by Robert Jones, with lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Ella Wahlström, video by Andrzej Goulding, and casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG. 

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