It’s The Odd Couple - with a new and feminine touch!

Think of The Odd Couple and you will most probably picture Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, the actors who portrayed Neil Simon’s characters in the 1968 movie - but not for much longer!
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jul 2013, 15:00 GMT

For Ballymoney Literary and Debating Society are currently rehearsing the FEMALE version of The Odd Couple.

Directed by Philip Bradshaw, the play will run as part of the Summer Theatre season in Portrush Town Hall on July 17 - 20 nightly at 8pm.

Speaking to the Ballymoney and Moyle Times, Philip said: “Ballymoney Literary and Debating Society actually did the male version about eleven years ago.

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“Neil Simon’s original version was so popular that lots of actresses wanted to perform in the play so he just changed it and that’s the version we are presenting this year.

“In the female version, there are two English ladies in the main roles with two Spanish brothers living upstairs.”

Well-known as the lighting technician at Coleraine’s Riverside Theatre, Philip is stepping forward as director for the very first time.

“After many years of watching shows and thinking I could do better than that, now is the time to see if I really can!” he joked.

“I just thought - why not give it a go?”

Taking on the leading roles as The Odd Couple are Ruth Elliott and Maureen McLean. Also in the cast are Margaret Edgar, Georgie McGaffin, Maggie Montgomery and newcomer Sheila Micthell. The two males are played by Heaney Sayers and Sam Campbell.

“All the actors, apart from Sheila who is taking to the stage in her first role, have lots of experience. It’s great to have Sheila as it’s always good to get new members and have that mix with the experienced cast.”

The Odd Couple will play in Portrush Summer Theatre from July 17 - 20. For tickets contact the Box Office on (028) 7082 9539.