20 Aug 2025
Created by Steven Moffat, BAFTA-winning writer of Doctor Who and Sherlock, ‘The Unfriend’ brings a hilarious but unwelcome American guest to the stage of the Abbey Theatre to open the new season in style.
Described as “a rip-roaring success” by London Theatre, Moffat’s comedy explores the polite awkwardness of British middle-class manners pushed to sinister extremes.
While on holiday, ordinary British couple Peter and Debbie meet lusty, Fox News-devotee Elsa, a widow from Denver. In a moment of friendliness we can all recognise, they swap email addresses and agree to stay in touch – but no one ever really does, do they?
Months later, Elsa announces her intent to visit and almost immediately arrives on Peter and Debbie’s doorstep expecting to stay. Just as they discover she may not be who she seems, and harbours a dangerous past.
As they wrestle with how to eject their worrying guest without seeming rude, the couple’s discomfort escalates into full-blown paranoia. But British politeness and social rules trap them into playing host to someone they increasingly suspect may be hiding a very, very dark secret.
In ‘The Unfriend’, Steven Moffat brings to the stage his signature blend of fast-paced dialogue, psychological tension and biting humour.
Director Katherine Barry explained: “It’s not often I laugh out loud when I first read a play, but ‘The Unfriend’ had me in stitches from the word go. The characters of Peter and Debbie are based on a couple Steven Moffat knew and used as a source for the story. Monstrous but hilarious Elsa Jean Krakowski however is a fictional character created purely for comedy and dramatic value in the play. I guarantee you will laugh – a lot!”
Performances can be seen from Friday September 12 to Saturday September 13, 8pm, Sunday September 14 2,30pm, Wednesday September 17 to Saturday September 20, 8pm. To book tickets go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01727 857861
The Abbey Theatre is St Albans longest established theatre, welcoming theatre enthusiasts as patrons for over 50 years. It’s owned and run by the Company of Ten, whose members have been staging plays in the city for more than 90 years. With open membership, anyone with an interest in theatre – from technical, to wardrobe, to props and on stage – is welcome to join.
