You’re invited to Abigail’s Party

Karen Neville

Mike Leigh’s classic play Abigail’s Party finally hits the big time in the wonderful old Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon with Abingdon Drama Club, March 26th-29th. Kevin Thomson sends out the invites 

First aired in 1977, Abigail’s Party is a dark comedy set in 1970s suburban England which pokes fun at the manners, the aspirations and the tastes of the new middle classes.  

It takes place in Essex, “theoretical Romford” as Leigh called it. Beverley Moss (Laura King), an ex-department store cosmetics demonstrator, invites her new neighbours, Angela (Erin Sanders), a nurse and Tony (Fred Cox-Denning), a computer operator, over for drinks. She has also invited her neighbour Susan (Rachel Morris), divorced for three years, whose 15-year-old daughter Abigail is holding her own party at home (offstage). Beverley’s husband Laurence (Chris Bedford), an estate agent, comes home late from work, just before the guests arrive.   

The party starts rather slowly as the virtual strangers tentatively gather, until Beverley and Laurence start sniping at each other. As the evening continues, Beverley’s superficial charm and passive aggression create a tension-filled atmosphere. She serves more drinks and she and Laurence continue to try to score points off each other (and their neighbours). The guests endure awkward conversations, forced politeness, and escalating conflicts, fuelled by alcohol and Beverley’s relentless need to control the evening.  

Beverley and Laurence are both aspiring, both pretentious in their own different ways. Laurence longs for intellectual stimulation, whereas Beverley is consumer-orientated, being delighted with her rotisserie, which she hasn’t actually used yet. They’re not monsters, but they can be monstrous. Leigh’s skill is in making it all feel just a little too close to home, which can make you feel guilty in laughing so much.  

ADC’s director Terry Atkinson shares why he wanted to direct Abigail’s Party. “It’s one of the truly great black comedies”, he said, “It’s a snapshot of mid to late 70s middle class UK suburbia. I like pieces that have a nostalgic feel.”  

Were there any unusual challenges with this production? “Period 1979 decor, furniture, clothing, drinks labels and the elephant in the room, everyone smoked! The audience will have to use their imaginations when it comes to smoke! I nearly had to get my flares out!”  

Voted by industry professionals as the 11th greatest British TV programme, it has seen many revivals with the latest being this production from Abingdon Drama Club. A fabulous evening’s entertainment awaits!