Steven Moffat’s ‘The Unfriend’ to transfer to the West End

Mark Gatiss directs the comedy play.

After performances at Chichester Festival Theatre, Steven Moffat’s debut play, The Unfriend, will transfer to the West End in 2023. The Unfriend begins previews at the Criterion Theatre on 15 January, ahead of an opening night on 19 January and performances to 16 April. Book The Unfriend tickets on London Theatre.

The Unfriend follows Peter and Debbie as they begrudgingly welcome Elsa, an American they made friends with on holiday to their house. But what began as a holiday friendship could now be a murderous threat. According to press material, the play “turns the spotlight on middle class England’s obsession with good manners.”

The Unfriend marks the first theatrical collaboration between playwright Steven Moffat and director Mark Gatiss since Sherlock and Dracula.

“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,” said Moffat.

The original The Unfriend cast will star in the West End production: Reece Shearsmith, Amanda Abbington, Frances Barber, Michael Simkins, Marcus Onilude, Gabriel Howell and Maddie Holliday.

The Unfriend is designed by Robert Jones, with lighting design by Mark Henderson, and sound design by Ella Wahlström.

The Unfriend is at the Criterion Theatre.

Book The Unfriend tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: The Unfriend (Photo by Manuel Harlan)