MBM’s The Odd Couple locks down at Holden Street
Neil Simon classic gets theatre back in gear at Hindmarsh

Matt Byrne Media will put a smile on everyone’s dial with Neil Simon’s classic comedy The Odd Couple at Holden Street Theatres from November 4 to 28.

Producer Matt Byrne says The Odd Couple began on Broadway back in 1965 with Art Carney as neat freak Felix and Walter Matthau as the irascible Oscar.

Matthau then paired with Jack Lemmon in the Oscar nominated movie version, and Jack Klugman and Tony Randall carried the fractured friendship further forward to Emmy winning glory in the five-year TV version.

The MBM production features David Grybowski as Felix and Byrne as Oscar.

“David and I have worked together on great shows like the award-winning Driving Miss Daisy, Same Time Next Year, Reservoir Dogs and especially Twelve Angry Men,” Byrne said.

“It’s wonderful to playing opposite him again, and I’m delighted to have another long time theatre colleague Rose Vallen co-directing the show with me.”

Byrne said The Odd Couple, set in 1960s New York, was Neil Simon’s greatest play.

“Trouble erupts when divorced sportswriter Oscar Madison and separated TV producer Felix Ungar end up living together in Oscar’s Manhattan apartment,” he said.

“It’s an hysterically funny but equally poignant look at male bonding and the ties that grind.

“Easy-going Oscar’s place which hosts a weekly card game is a disorganised mess. So when finicky Felix moves in he can’t help but try and straighten it out – it’s a recipe for disaster.”

“Poker buddies Murray (Timothy Cousins), Speed (Gavin Cianci), Vinnie (Russell Ford) and Roy (Frank Cwiertniak) get caught in the crossfire.

“Oscar then sets up a double date with the riotous Pigeon Sisters, Gwendolyn (Bec Mason) and Cecily (Lauren Weber) but Felix can’t forget his wife.”

The Odd Couple runs at The Studio at Holden Street Theatres at 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh from November 4 ($20 Preview) 5-7, 11-14, 18-21 & 25-28 at 7.30 p.m. and November 14, 21 & 28 at 1.30 p.m. Admission is Adults $30 and Concessions $28 with Group Concessions $28/$26 for 10 or more. Booking Fees and COVID protocols apply.

Book on mattbyrnemedia.com.au (8262 4906), or holdenstreettheatres.com (8225 8888.)