It’s all go here at Southwick Players as we make final preparations for our next production, The Unfriend

Written by the brilliant Steven Moffat, the set build starts this weekend, and what a set it is. Expect plenty of doors, a kitchen, stairs, a window and more. The workshop team has risen to the challenge magnificently.

Director Sarah Papouis

Add in clever projections, lighting and sound effects (including ‘noises off from a toilet’!) and you can already picture the chaos that’s about to unfold, before the thrill of our opening night on the 24th.

Director Sarah Papouis reveals that what drew her to The Unfriend was its mixture of laugh-out-loud comedy and squirm-in-your-seat awkwardness: “You feel awkward laughing, but you just can’t help it,” she explains.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this brilliantly sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy to our stage. The first 20 minutes of the play are – believe it or not – events that actually took place! Which only makes the story more outrageous, and perhaps even more relatable.”

Prepare for this comedy to bring more than laughter though

In true British comedic tradition, it’s deliciously awkward in places. And the cast are making the most of it.

“Moffat’s script is a masterclass in awkward British manners, social boundaries, and what happens when politeness goes just a bit too far,” explains Sarah. “Our phenomenal cast are working wonders, breathing life into the characters, and they all certainly have a gift for comic timing. It’s a challenge not to laugh at every single scene they create. Their chemistry and energy in the rehearsal room are something special, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Moffat’s script is a masterclass in awkward British manners, social boundaries, and what happens when politeness goes just a bit too far…

Meanwhile, our brilliant workshop team are hard at work crafting a stunning set that perfectly captures the world of the play, and our technical team are buzzing around, making sure every detail, from lighting to sound, to costumes to props, is just right. It’s a real hive of creativity and collaboration.

Sarah has been guiding the cast to keep the balance razor-sharp, moving the action skilfully between hilarity and suspense. And beneath the comedy lies a dark twist: a murderer in the midst…

The cast and crew are polished, prepped and can’t wait to take to the stage on Wednesday 24 September 2025. We’re ready to bring you a night of awkward encounters, big laughs, and a few shocks along the way…

See you at the theatre! For more information and to book tickets, CLICK HERE.