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THE UNFRIEND

THE UNFRIEND

Overview

Comedic genius Helen Thomson (Colin from Accounts, The Importance of Being Earnest) is back on board at Sydney Theatre Company to challenge everything you thought you knew about good manners. 

Directed by the legendary Simon Phillips (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert), The Unfriend is the stage debut of Steven Moffat, the writer behind mega hits Doctor Who, Sherlock and Douglas is Cancelled. 

On a cruise ship, Peter and Debbie befriend Elsa, a sassy and less than sensitive American widow who demands they stay in touch. When Elsa invites herself to stay a few months later, they look her up online and learn that she’s been putting more than mushrooms into the odd casserole, with poisonous results. Now, the couple must race to protect their family whilst avoiding the greatest faux pas of all: being, well, a bit impolite? Because guess who's coming to... murder!

This deliciously dark comedy takes a hilarious bite out of middle-class England's obsession with being “nice”, no matter the cost. Don your napkin for “an uproarious comedy of English embarrassment...a relentlessly snowballing orgy of discomfiture...a delight” (London Evening Standard).

“A killer comedy to die for”
WhatsOnStage

Creative

Cast

Huw Higginson

Cast

Helen Thomson

Cast

Tim Walter

Director

Simon Phillips

Designer

Isabel Hudson

Lighting Designer

Nick Schlieper

Associate Director

Kenneth Moraleda

Marketing Image

Holly Ward

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enews.


Event Details

Previews
29 Sep - 2 Oct
Opening Night
3 Oct 7:30pm
Night with the Artists
13 Oct 6:30pm
Season
29 Sep - 31 Oct 2026
Approx. Duration
2 hrs, including interval
Content
Strong language

Duration and content are subject to change.


Venue Details

Roslyn Packer Theatre
Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000

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Tickets

Adult
$69 - 175Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark
Australian Seniors Card
$69 - 175Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark
Australian Pensioner
$69 - 175Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark
Australian Full Time Student
$69 - 175Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark
Under 30
$59 - 175Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark

Transaction fees may apply: $0 Online Season Ticket bookings, $8.95 single ticket bookings.
Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.


Accessible Performances

CaptionedCaptioned

Tue 20 Oct 6:30pm

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Sat 24 Oct 1:30pm

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AUSLAN InterpretedAUSLAN Interpreted

Sun 25 Oct 2:00pm

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Audio DescribedAudio Described

Sat 31 Oct 1:30pm

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