The Riverside Drama Company present ‘The Unfriend’ (25th-26th June)

Following their sold‑out March production of The Good Life, Riverside Drama Company return to The Duchess Theatre with Steven Moffat’s wickedly sharp dark comedy The Unfriend, from Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th June 2026.

Originally premiering in 2022 before transferring to London’s West End for a smash‑hit run in 2023 and 2024, The Unfriend delighted audiences with its razor‑edged humour, escalating chaos and brilliantly observed British awkwardness. Now, Nottingham and Derby audiences can experience the hilarity up close as Riverside Drama Company bring this modern comedy gem to the local stage.

When being polite goes too far…

The story follows Debbie and Peter, an ordinary British couple who, like many of us, make polite small talk with a fellow holidaymaker. In a moment of social niceness gone too far, they invite their new acquaintance, Elsa, to visit them in the UK. They never expect her to take them up on it… until she does.

But when a quick Google search reveals Elsa may be connected to several mysterious deaths, Debbie and Peter find themselves trapped between good manners and sheer terror. After all, they can’t possibly tell her she can’t stay. That would be rude.

What unfolds is a fast‑paced, laugh‑out‑loud comedy full of tension, misunderstandings, strained relationships and brilliantly choreographed physical humour. With Moffat’s trademark wit—known from Sherlock, Doctor Who and Coupling—The Unfriend is a sharply observed look at British politeness pushed to its absolute limits.

A West End success, now on our doorstep

Originally directed by Mark Gatiss and starring comedy favourite Lee Mack in its West End run, The Unfriend has quickly become one of the most talked‑about new British comedies. Riverside Drama Company are proud to bring this acclaimed production to The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton, offering local audiences the chance to enjoy a night of big laughs, bold characters and brilliantly dark fun.

Performance details:
The Unfriend
Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Saturday 27th June 2026 at 7:30pm
The Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton
Tickets £12.00 each

Tickets are available to buy from www.riversidedrama.com, or from the Duchess Theatre box office or its What’s On page.

About Riverside Drama Company: Riverside Drama Company is a local theatre group with a commitment and reputation for bringing high‑quality, enjoyable, varied and interesting plays to the local community.