Following its run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Mark Gatiss’s production of Steven Moffat’s comedy will head to the West End’s Criterion Theatre next year.

Playful Productions have confirmed that The Unfriend will transfer to the Criterion Theatre, previewing from the 15th January and will run in the West End until the 16th April 2023.

Directed by Mark Gatiss, it has also been announced that the full original cast from the Chichester Festival Theatre run including: Reece Shearsmith (Inside No.9), Amanda Abbington (Sherlock) and Frances Barber (Silk) with Michael Simkins, Marcus Onilude, Gabriel Howell and Maddie Holliday.

While on holiday Peter and Debbie befriend Elsa: a lusty, Trump-loving widow from Denver, USA.  She’s less than woke but kind of wonderful. They agree to stay in touch – because no one ever really does, do they?

When Elsa invites herself to stay a few months later, they decide to look her up online. Too late, they learn the truth about Elsa Jean Krakowski. Deadly danger has just boarded a flight to London! What began as a casual holiday friendship is now a threat to the lives of their children. 

Peter and Debbie now face the ultimate challenge of the modern world – how do you protect all that you love from mortal peril without seeming a bit impolite?

Talking about the news, Mark Gatiss said: “I’m absolutely chuffed to be bringing The Unfriend to the Criterion after a joyous time in Chichester.  What we all need now is a really good laugh and Steven’s gloriously naughty play brings that in spades.”

The creative team behind the production includes: designs by Robert Jones, with lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Ella Wahlström, video design by Andrzej Goulding and casting by Charlotte Sutton CDG. 

Tickets are on sale now.