Abigail’s Party

Beverley likes the good life and will seemingly put up with a husband whom she doesn’t love in order to live it. Laurence is a stressed, workaholic estate agent who is incapable of relaxing in his wife’s company. They seem to love baiting each other and are happy to use their guests as weapons in their attempts to humiliate each other, as the G & Ts flow too freely.

Cast & Crew

Cast

Angela
Beverley
Laurence
Susan
Tony

Crew

Director

Photographs

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Play description

It was 1977, the year of skin-tight polyester, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and Saturday Night Fever. The Sex Pistols were storming up the charts, skateboarding was the latest craze and Angela Rippon danced with Morecambe and Wise. And at Hampstead Theatre in London, Mike Leigh and his cast were putting the finishing touches to Abigail’s Party, ferocious black comedy and landmark of twentieth century theatre.

In her suburban living room, Beverly prepares for the arrival of her guests. She and husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Sue. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 1970s British life begins.

Observations

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