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Our box office can be called on 07845 926295.
Pre-theatre menu at the Assheton Arms from £20 for ticket holders. See below for details.
The Classic Comedy
Step into the comedic genius of Neil Simon with The Odd Couple, a timeless play that continues to captivate audiences with its sharp wit, memorable characters, and enduring themes.
The action in The Odd Couple centres around two mismatched roommates. Felix Ungar is a fastidious and neurotic neat freak, and Oscar Madison is a laid-back and sloppy sportswriter. Both men are recently separated from their wives and decide to share an apartment to help each other out. However, things do not go quite according to plan despite their best efforts.
The play explores the dynamics of their unconventional friendship, as Felix’s obsessive cleanliness clashes with Oscar’s relaxed attitude. The audience is treated to a series of uproarious situations that showcase the author’s talent for creating humour from everyday life. Neil Simon’s strength lies in his ability to create relatable and deeply human characters. Felix and Oscar are not just caricatures; they are complex individuals with their own quirks and vulnerabilities.
The Odd Couple delves into themes of friendship, loneliness, and the need for companionship. Despite their differences, Felix and Oscar develop a bond that underscores the idea that true friendship can transcend personal idiosyncrasies. The play also touches on the challenges of adjusting to major life changes.
What makes The Odd Couple stand the test of time is its universal appeal and relatable humour. The play’s exploration of human relationships and the clash of personalities resonates with audiences of all ages. Its witty dialogue and situational comedy are as fresh today as they were over sixty years ago.
The Odd Couple was first produced on Broadway in 1965 starring Walter Matthau as Oscar and Art Carney as Felix. The play was a hit, running for nearly a thousand performances and winning several Tony Awards, including Best Play. Notable revivals on the British stage have included Derek Griffiths and Sam Kelly starring at The Royal Exchange, Manchester in 1989, and at 2005’s Edinburgh Fringe, with Bill Bailey and Alan Davies.
It has seen numerous screen adaptations, including a successful film version in 1968, starring Jack Lemmon as Felix, and Walter Matthau reprising Oscar. There followed a popular television series that aired from 1970 to 1975 starring Quincey’s Jack Klugman (who had previously replaced Matthau as Oscar on Broadway) and Pillow Talk’s Tony Randall. These adaptations have helped cement the play’s place in popular culture and introduced it to new generations.
About Neil Simon
Neil Simon was a renowned American playwright and screenwriter, widely celebrated for his sharp wit and comedic genius. Born in 1927 in New York City, Simon’s works reflect the intricacies of human relationships, often set against the backdrop of everyday life. He started writing for television, on programmes such as The Phil Silvers Show. His prolific career spanned several decades, producing numerous iconic plays, including Sweet Charity, Barefoot in the Park, and Plaza Suite, and adapting many of them for the screen.
Simon had a unique ability to blend humour with deeper, more poignant themes, capturing the essence of human nature with both levity and insight. His works earned him multiple awards, including three Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and the Kennedy Center Honors. Simon’s influence on theatre is undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire playwrights and entertain audiences around the world. He died in 2018.
Cast
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Richard’s first show with Stage Two was 2014’s Confusions, and he has appeared in several since then, including Educating Rita, and most recently We Are Three Sisters. He has also co-directed plays, including God Of Carnage with Chris.
As well as Stage Two, Richard has appeared on stage for Blackburn Musical Theatre Company, and Blackburn Drama Club, where he has had the privilege of bringing to life some iconic roles, such as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, and Perks in The Railway Children.
Richard is once again playing ‘grumpy middle aged bloke’ - are our directors trying to say something?
Chris is celebrating his 12th year with Stage Two having tread his first board with the society in 2013’s The Ghost Train. Jack Lemmon is one of Chris’ favourite actors and so he’s looking forward with excitement and a little trepidation to stepping into the shoes of such a talented performer to play the fastidious Felix Ungar.
When not acting in Stage Two Chris enjoys singing bass in the Ribble Valley’s premier barbershop group Wrong Direction, and has been known to join the chorus of the odd musical here and there.
Steve has previously acted a number of times for Stage Two Downham, as well as for a few other societies in the area. in a wide range of plays and character types but regards Stage Two as his home with its broad scope of talent and friendly welcome.
He counts among his successes swimming the Atlantic underwater when he decided as a teenager to become a fish.
Peter is set to make his second appearance with Stage Two Downham having thrived in his debut performance in God of Carnage. With strong ties to Clitheroe, Peter is now embarking on his thirteenth year of amdram and is hoping that does not prove unlucky!
Gerry joined Stage Two Downham in 1996, for When Did You Last See Your Trousers?. Since then he has tried everything except the prompt. He has been in at least 10 plays, built sets, and had a dabble at directing. Kim has persuaded him to come out of Retirement, to be a health fanatic card player, in this latest production.
I’m pleased to be taking on my first role with Stage Two Downham, back treading the boards since retiring in 2018 and following a work enforced break. Retirement brings its bonuses. I’ve performed most recently with Blackburn Musical Theatre Company (alongside Richard) and Blackburn Drama Club (alongside Steve). I’ve been on stage previously with Blackburn Gilbert & SUllivan and Rossendale Amateur Operatic Society.
Kella has been a member of Stage Two Downham since 2012. With her husband Chris, son Lucas and daughter Martha, Stage Two has become a family affair with all performing with the group over the years. Kella is thrilled to be performing again with the group in a comedy but also pleased that she doesn’t have to do an American accent!
Jennifer has appeared in several Stage Two productions, including leading roles in The Winslow Boy and, more recently, God of Carnage. This will, however, be the first time she has played a Pidgeon!
This is Kim’s fifth time directing for Stage Two Downham. After twenty-five years of acting in pantomime and plays at Trinity in Clitheroe, and in Downham, in 2014 he decided to give directing a go with Confusions. He quickly followed that up in 2015 with Barefoot In The Park, another Neil Simon classic. He loves the idea of having a vision for a play which is then brought to life by the talented and supportive team at Stage Two.
Kim continues to tread the boards for Stage Two Downham. He helped bring us out of lockdown with Arthur in 2022’s The Winslow Boy, and most recently played “Sir” in The Dresser.
Interval Refreshments
There will be a bar selling glasses of prosecco (and equally nice non-alcoholic alternatives) before and during the interval of each performance.
Pre-Theatre Meal at The Assheton Arms
We are delighted that once again The Assheton Arms in Downham will be offering a pre-theatre meal exclusively for Stage Two Downham ticket holders.
They will provide a two course meal for just £20, and will also make sure your meal is complete in time for you to make short journey to Downham Village Hall. Once you have bought your theatre tickets, call The Assheton Arms on 01200 439699 to reserve your table.
