On Sunday the 30th of June, I had the pleasure of attending “The Odd Couple” for its opening night at the Theatre Royal. In the company of a good friend, we were delighted by the production.
Featuring the well-known and much-loved Todd McKenney as Felix, and all-round entertainer Shane Jacobson as Oscar, this favourite comedy quickly held everyone’s attention right to the end.
Now, if you’re old enough, you will remember this popular television series from the 1970s, staring Jack Klugman and my favourite, Tony Randall. I hasten to add that I was watching reruns at my grandparents in later years.
Originally written by Neil Simon, “The Odd Couple” tells the tale of two divorced men who share an apartment together, one being neat and the other messy.
The production kept the audience captivated with every unfolding scene. As the pair navigate living together, they comically begin to face difficult situations, a theme that transcends time. Oscar and Felix battle a relationship of neat vs untidy on a foundation of friendship. Sadly, optimism quickly turns to frustration and inevitably regret as their true faults reappear.
Cecily and Gwendolyn make an appearance and take us back to the sixties with their gorgeous white knee-high boots, beehive hair and high pitched shrill, played by Lucy Durack (Cecily) and Penny McNamee (Gwendolyn) in the neighbouring apartment.
These two characters delighted the audience and contributed to a lively and unexpected humour in the production.
“The Odd Couple” was an enjoyable rendition of the 1970s television show that I so adored, and revitalised my appreciation for the simple, charming tale of two men and their unbreakable friendship.
