Nasty Neighbours

Running time: N/A

U.S. Premiere Mr. Peach is a busybody. An interfering busybody, to be precise. He and his wife anxiously watch the window for who will move in next door--after the last neighbours left. The Chapmans, however, turn out to be far from the kind of couple one would want next door. They're rude, loud and aggressive, and Mr. Peach takes an instant dislike to both of them. Of course, Mr. Peach is no sweetheart himself. He's terrible at his job as a salesman, has gotten himself into so much debt and perceives just about anyone he comes in contact with as the enemy. Oh, and did we mention that Peach is an interfering busybody? It isn't long before tempers flare, and the "dislike" Peach has for the Chapmans becomes a minor battle; and not much longer before it's war. That's when things get really nasty. Featuring the incomparable Ricky Tomlinson (Ken Loach's Riff Raff) as Mr. Peach, director Debbie Isitt's Nasty Neighbours is a thrilling black comedy that takes a look at the underbelly of cul-de-sac life in England. Not simply a biting comedy, however, Isitt defies expectations by superbly crafting a human story about a man who may not have much impact on society but is determined to remain the King of his neighbourhood. Reviewed by Al Owens