Review: ABIGAIL'S PARTY, Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Beverly and her husband Laurence are hosting a night in to get to know their new neighbours Angela and Tony. As the drinks flow and inhibitions are lowered, the evening gets a little bit out of control.

Impossibly polite neighbour Sue (Rose Keegan) has been invited round to make herself scarce while her 15 year old daughter Abigail has a party in her house. Beverly ignores Sue's insistence that she doesn't want a drink and plies her with alcohol throughout the night which has unpleasant consequences.

Always a delight to watch, Jodie Prenger is perfectly cast as the host, Beverly. Brash and tactless, she leads the excruciating small talk and becomes more inappropriate as the party goes on. Beverly and her husband Laurence (Daniel Casey) grow increasingly hostile towards each other and their sniping leaves their guests feeling uncomfortable. As contrast, Vicky Binns is excellent as sweet and naïve Angela whose gentle manner makes Beverly seem all the more forward.

Abigail's Party is a wonderful snapshot of suburban life in the 1970's thanks to the wonderful set design. The wooden panel décor is typical of that time and the coffee table hosts the essential of any party of the era- cheese and pineapple hedgehogs.

Mike Leigh's examination of social etiquette and suburban life is sharp and clever and Abigail's Party remains wickedly funny, fresh and relevant.

Abigail's Party runs at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Saturday 9th February.

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