Nichola MavEvilly (Florence) and Gillian MacCarthy (Olive) in the Everyman theatre production of Neil Simon's ‘The Odd Couple' which runs until 17 August. Photo: Bríd O'Donovan

A laugh a minute at 'The Odd Couple'

Sometimes you need the decadent surroundings of the Everyman to save a play but not in this case – ‘The Odd Couple’ was very enjoyable from start to finish. 

Anyone who watched the series will know the premise but for those who don’t, it’s about two people who are the complete opposite, one’s neat while the other is messy. 
Neil Simon’s play had its premiere on Broadway in the 60s and the characters were revived in a successful 1968 film and 1970s television series, as well as several other derivative works and spin-offs. 

Simon adapted the play in 1985 to feature a pair of female roommates (Florence Ungar and Olive Madison) in The Female Odd Couple which is the story being portrayed in the Everyman until 17 August. 
Directed by Conor Hanratty, ‘The Odd Couple’ was quick witted and a laugh a minute play with many relatable characters and comical characters. 

Starring Nichola MacEvilly as Florence and Gillian McCarthy as Olive, it also features Noni Stapleton as Mickey, Gene Rooney as Vera, Camille Ross as Sylvie, EÌadaoin O’Donoghue as Renee, Ray Scannell as Manolo and Kevin Creedon as Jesus, with set and costumes by Maree Kearns who did a great job finding beautiful dresses and décor of that time. The lighting design was by Kevin Smith.

A review of this play wouldn’t be complete without a round of applause to the actors for their New York accents and quirky mannerisms!

Visit everymancork.com for tickets.