.......It was based on the same story line and same lead characters, now called Florence Ungar and Olive Madison, the poker game becoming Trivial Pursuit and the Pigeon sisters becoming the Costazuela brothers. However, I think Neil Simon’s gender-switching rewrite outshines the original male version in many ways. First of all, the characters of Olive and Florence are more fully developed with an expanded range of emotions. Also, the relationship of the group of friends that meet each week has been broadened to reveal more of each character. This play is a look at friendship and how, through friendship, we tolerate the eccentricities and foibles of those closest to us, It is very obvious that the group of women who meet each week do so not merely to play Trivial Pursuit, but to socialise and be with good friends. Isn’t it amazing how sincere friendship can withstand the verbal jabs, idiosyncratic behaviour and contrasting lifestyles of all the people involved? It has been a joy again to work with such a talented cast and production team and I hope that you enjoy this evening as much as we have enjoyed rehearsing the play. Special thanks from me must go to my producer Helen who has been fabulous in every way.