Steven Moffat, the British writer known for his work on television series such as "Doctor Who" and "Sherlock," has made his debut as a playwright with "The Unfriend," currently running at the Roslyn Packer Theatre for Sydney Theatre Company until October 31. The play is inspired by a true story involving Moffat’s acquaintances and explores themes of social etiquette, uncomfortable encounters, and dark humor.
The premise centers on a couple, Peter and Debbie, who meet a lively American woman while on a cruise. The woman, initially a charming companion, later insists on staying with them in London. It emerges that she may be a convicted murderer who, due to a legal error, has been released and is free to roam. The real Peter and Debbie ultimately cancel the visit, despite feeling uneasy about upsetting their guest — a reaction that Moffat attributes to British politeness and discomfort with confrontation.
Moffat adapted this unusual story for the stage, altering some details, including the timing of the couple’s final email declining the invitation, to heighten the tension. Drawing on decades of experience writing for television comedies and dramas, Moffat ventured into theatre to regain the immediacy of live audience response, which he says is missing from television production.
Throughout his career, Moffat has been associated with acclaimed shows such as "Press Gang," "Coupling," and more recently the culture-war comedy "Douglas Is Cancelled." Despite his success and numerous awards, including Emmys and BAFTAs, he points to one major limitation of TV comedy: the lengthy delay between writing and audience reaction. Theatre offered an opportunity to reconnect with the direct, real-time feedback of viewers.
Moffat also shared his views on social interactions and modern sensitivities, expressing skepticism about growing demands to avoid offense. He contends that “there is no right to be protected from offence,” emphasizing that much of his own work is “perfectly harmless.” While acknowledging that contemporary media faces fewer content restrictions than in previous decades, he believes that limitations can enhance, rather than hinder, comedic impact. For example, he cited the subtle use of coded themes in Noel Coward’s plays as a clever device that enriched humor.
Regarding depictions of sex and intimacy in entertainment, Moffat argues that explicitness often detracts from drama and comedy alike, as audiences tend to focus more on nudity than narrative or character development. Reflecting on his own work and changing perspectives, he notes a reduced interest in shock value and insult-based humor, favoring characters he enjoys spending time with.
"The Unfriend" blends elements of comedy and suspense with Moffat’s characteristic wit. He describes the play as an entertaining sitcom-like experience, designed simply “to make you laugh” rather than convey a profound message. Australian audiences can catch the production through the end of October, with Helen Thomson starring as the formidable American visitor.
The play marks a new chapter in Moffat’s career, satisfying a long-held ambition to create for the stage and offering a fresh application of his storytelling skills in a live setting.