The Unfriend

In The Unfriend, a couple's holiday encounter leads to unexpected danger when their new friend turns out to be a threat. Humor and tension intertwine.

In The Unfriend, Steven Moffat presents a humorous and satirical exploration of middle-class England's compulsive need to maintain a facade of niceness. The play delves into the absurd lengths people go to avoid confrontation and embarrassment, highlighting the societal pressure to always appear polite, even in the face of danger. The characters grapple with their own moral dilemmas, leading to laugh-out-loud moments that reveal the underlying chaos of their seemingly perfect lives.

The story follows Peter and Debbie, a couple who, while on holiday, encounter Elsa, an outspoken widow from Denver. Despite her lack of political correctness, Elsa's charm wins them over, and they promise to stay in touch. However, when Elsa unexpectedly decides to visit them in London, Peter and Debbie's lives take a turn for the worse. As they delve into Elsa's past, they discover that she is not who she seems, and they must confront the terrifying reality of their new friendship.

The Unfriend expertly blends comedy with suspense, forcing the characters to navigate the fine line between politeness and self-preservation. Moffat's sharp wit and keen observation of social dynamics make this play a thought-provoking yet entertaining experience. First performed in Chichester in 2022 and later in London's West End, it showcases Moffat's signature storytelling style and his ability to engage audiences with relatable themes.