Abingdon Drama Club ready for Abigail’s Party production
Mike Leigh’s ‘Abigail’s Party’, first aired in 1977, will be performed by Abingdon Drama Club at the Unicorn Theatre from March 26 to 29.
The play is set in 1970s suburban England, poking fun of the manners, aspirations, and tastes of the new middle classes.
It takes place in Essex, where Beverley Moss, played by Laura King, invites her new neighbours Angela, played by Erin Sanders, and Tony, played by Fred Cox-Denning, over for drinks.
Her divorced neighbour Susan, portrayed by Rachel Morris, is also invited, as her 15-year-old daughter Abigail is holding her own party at home.
The evening kicks off slowly, with the virtual strangers feeling their way around each other, until the hosts Beverley and her husband Laurence, played by Chris Bedford, start bickering.
(L-R) Erin Sanders as Angela, Fred Cox-Denning as Tony, Laura King as Beverley, Chris Bedford as Laurence, and Rachel Morris as Susan (Image: Abingdon Drama Club) The evening continues with Beverley’s passive aggression and superficial charm creating a tense atmosphere.
Beverley and Laurence are both aspiring, and both pretentious in their own ways.
Laurence longs for intellectual stimulation, whereas Beverley is consumer-orientated, being delighted with her rotisserie, which she has not actually used yet.
The guests endure awkward conversations, forced politeness, and escalating conflicts, fuelled by alcohol and Beverley’s relentless need to control the evening.
Abingdon Drama Club’s director, Terry Atkinson, said: “It’s one of the truly great black comedies.
“It’s a snapshot of mid to late 70s middle class UK suburbia. I like pieces that have a nostalgic feel.”
Mr Atkinson also spoke about the challenges of putting on the production, including recreating the period-appropriate decor, clothing, and even drinks labels, in line with the 1970s setting.
Listing the challenges, he said: “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.”
He added it was “hard” to cast the play “as a lot of people went for a role,” but “I am very happy with our casting for this”.
‘Abigail’s Party’ was voted by industry professionals as the 11th greatest British TV programme, and has seen many revivals.
The play will be performed at 7.30pm each day, with an additional 2.30pm matinee on March 29.
Tickets for the show are £15, with concessions for over 60s, under 12s, students, and Abingdon Drama Club members available for £12.
Group bookings for 10 or more people can get tickets for £10.60 each if booked online, with the concession rate selected.
