The Odd Couple, Dolman Theatre

3:38pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

When Oscar Madison (Steve Saunders) invites Felix Ungar (Bruce Campbell) to share his New York apartment following the break-down of his marriage, the scene is set for endless gags and timeless humour in Neil Simon's, The Odd Couple currently playing at the Dolman Theatre.

Everyone has a favourite Oscar and Felix, be it Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon from the 60's film or Jack Glugman and Tony Randall from the 70's TV series, but after this performance, Newport Playgoers'Saunders and Campbellmake a local bid to steal their thunder!

Full credit to director Ray Stone, who obviously had the foresight to let them run with the script whilst maintaining a balance between the play's great past and its present.

His formula worked!

The chemistry between the two leading characters was palpable, with the impeccably neat yetcompletely neurotic Felix (Campbell) being the perfect foil for Saunders' unscrupulous slob, Oscar.

Full credit must be given to a very capable cast, with poker pals, Julian Powell, Alex Wilson, Eamonn Corbett and Graeme Johnson adding some great one-liners to this endearing comedy.

The Pigeon sisters, Rhian Mitchell and Emma Jeffreys cleverly altered the pace and brought afresh perspective to the humour.

Refreshingly,a feel-goodending shows each character picking up some of the best traits of the other,and forgiveness is shown as the best course of action.

The production runs until Saturday

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