The Unfriend
Synopsis
Whilst on holiday, Peter and Debbie befriend Elsa; a lusty, Trump-loving widow from Denver, USA. They agree to stay in touch. And why not? Because no-one ever really does, do they? But 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!
A hilarious and satirical look at middle-class England’s disastrous instinct always to look nice!
This new comedy is written by Steven Moffat, one of the most prolific TV writers of the last 40 years. His credits include Press Gang, Coupling and Dracula, as well as more recent success with Dr. Who and Sherlock. The Unfriend is Moffat’s first stage production; after a successful run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, the London production at Wyndham’s Theatre in 2023 starred Lee Mack as Peter and Sarah Alexander as Debbie.
Production Details
"The Unfriend" by Stephen Moffat
Director: Phil Gascoyne
Location: Sheffield Library Theatre
Dates: 10th - 14th February 2026
Tickets: £12 / £13 + booking fee
Cast
Cast
Cast
Peter Lindel - Ross Bannister
Debbie Lindel - Fran Rooker
Elsa Jean Krakowski - Joanne Ringrose
Neighbour - John Fereday
Alex Lindel - Sean Fagan
Rosie Lindel - Rhiannon Smith-Jones
Policeman (PC Junkin) - Justin Harrison
Crew
Cast
Cast
Director - Phil Gascoyne
Production Manager - John Jex
Set Design and Construction - Hansel D'Roza, Phil Gascoyne, Dave Twigg, Kevin Chambers, Paul Curr, Laura Jex
Lighting - Kevin Chambers
Sound and Projection - Hansel D'Roza
Stage Manager - Jan Ibberson
Properties - Morgan Clarke, John Jex, Rachel Jex and members of the company
Wardrobe - Rac
Director - Phil Gascoyne
Production Manager - John Jex
Set Design and Construction - Hansel D'Roza, Phil Gascoyne, Dave Twigg, Kevin Chambers, Paul Curr, Laura Jex
Lighting - Kevin Chambers
Sound and Projection - Hansel D'Roza
Stage Manager - Jan Ibberson
Properties - Morgan Clarke, John Jex, Rachel Jex and members of the company
Wardrobe - Rachel Jex and members of the company
Continuity - Wina Gascoyne
Front of House - Andrea Howard
Ticket Secretaries - John and Rachel Jex
PRESS
Media Coverage
Tudor Players appeared live on Rother Radio a couple of times to talk about The Unfriend.
Click here (skip to 03:09:00) to hear Wayne Cubitt's interview with Phil Gascoyne (Director) and Fran Rooker (Debbie) about the show. Wayne asked about the story and the characters in our upcoming production, and put them on the spot with some quick fire questions!
Wayne also spoke with John Jex (Production Manager) during the show's run, asking about the set, story and the Library Theatre. Click here (skip to 01:49:00) to hear that interview.
