ABIGAIL’S Party is well remembered by many for the stage
play, which then transferred to television on Play for Today in 1977. Mike
Leigh’s comedy play focusing on the manners of a group of people, who hardly
know each other and their middle-class lives. Now, delightfully, London Classic
Theatre has brought it back to the stage.
The set instantly places us in the late 70’s with a range of
G-plan furniture, a drinks cabinet and a record player, with a range of LPs.
Beverly, Rebecca Birch, is ready to have a group of friends round for drinks as
she places nibbles around the room, including nuts, crisps and of course cheese
and pineapple on sticks. The drinks are ready and she’s prepared the music. Her
husband, Laurence, Tom Richardson, is an estate agent, he isn’t as interested
in meeting up with neighbours, but constantly pleases Beverly, becoming more
neurotic in manner throughout the evening. The first guests bring Angela, Alice
De-Warrenne and her newly wedded husband, Tony, George Readshaw. They’ve just
moved into the street. Alice is excited to meet new friends and certainly enjoys
the chance to let her hair down with a few drinks, Tony is very quiet,
initially, using one-word answers, he appears very shy, but becomes quicker tempered
and irate towards the second half. The final guest is Susan, Jo Castleton, when
arriving, it’s clear she was expecting a dinner party, not just drinks and
nibbles.
As the drinks flow, the group begin to get to know about
each other. Tensions rise, Beverly flirts with Tony, music comes and goes. Topics
cover music, art and books, as the drinks flow even more and difficult
situations ensue.
The cast are exceptional throughout. Its been a while since
I have been so captivated throughout. Tom Richardson’s facial expressions and movement,
are amazing. Some of the best scenes from Alice De-Warrenne are just sublime.
They all clearly work brilliantly together. Making this a must-see production
due to the incredible cast.
Abigail's Party runs until Saturday 17th June
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