Abigail’s Party premièred at Hampstead Theatre in 1977, with the role of Beverly being immortalised by Alison Steadman. London Classic Theatre’s new tour brings it to SE London with a run at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley from Wed 19 – Sat 22 April.
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 & Wise. And at Hampstead Theatre in London, Mike Leigh and his cast were putting the finishing touches to Abigail’s Party, a 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 Susan. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 1970s’ British life begins…
Rebecca Birch plays Beverly, returning to London Classic Theatre following My Mother Said I Never Should (UK tour).
Jo Castleton plays Susan, returning to London Classic Theatre following Boeing Boeing (UK tour).
Alice De-Warrenne plays Angela. Her theatre credits include The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Pinocchio (Greenwich Theatre).
George Readshaw plays Tony. His theatre credits include Indecent Proposal (Southwark Playhouse).
Tom Richardson plays Laurence. His theatre credits include The Snow Queen, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Julius Caesar (Storyhouse Theatre Chester).
Michael Cabot directs and is the founder and Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre. He has directed all forty-four LCT productions since their touring debut in 2000.
Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA
From Wed 19 – Sat 22 April. Times: 7.30pm, Thur & Sat matinee 2.30pm.
Admission: £15 – £34.
Box Office: 0343 310 0020 –
