BWW Reviews: ABIGAIL'S PARTY, Curve Theatre Leicester, October 24 2014

I remember studying Abigail's Party in school and watching the 1977 television Play For Today version, based on the original Hampstead Theatre production. The dialogue is colloquial and there is nothing complex about the content. It is a situational drama crammed full of every day occurrences, stressing on the naturalness of conversation e.g. awkward pauses, of which there is a lot of them! The characters and strength of the acting ensure the success of the writing and those involved in the Curve's latest production do just that.

Director Suba Das had a great undertaking on his hands when taking on this play. Although the text is simple, its delivery is something else. Das instructs the acting company fantastically and all decisions are on the money. This show marks the first production staged in the round at the Curve and it is a resounding triumph. It is incredibly exposing for the actors but their performances never falter. David Woodhead's design reflects a 1970's typical living room with its décor and props. Das' direction works the space efficiently and ensures that all audience members are given a great view of the proceedings. David Holmes' lighting design is barely more than a warm state throughout as the natural ethos would have been disturbed if much more detail was added. The sound design is also good by Edward Lewis and is perfectly directional. The vocal coach, George Richmond-Scott, also deserves a mention as there is a great deal of material to be covered accent-wise and also the management of Beverly's speech in order to ensure Natalie Thomas - who plays her - does not wreck her vocals every night!

The five-strong cast are all exceptional and create the desired feel of the production. Thomas as Beverly is stunning in her long red formal dress. The amount of concentration and attention to detail required for her character is endless. Clearly middle class, Beverly aspires to be much higher in status and does her best to enforce this to her neighbours at the party. It all becomes apparent as the show progresses that she is putting on a front to mask the evident breakdown of her marriage to Laurence, played brilliantly by Patrick Moy, and that her party is in fact a flop. Everything down to Thomas' body language is seamless for the role. Moy demonstrates the classic 'under the thumb' husband initially although the development of his character across the two hours is dramatic and it becomes clear that Beverly does not respect Laurence's likes or dislikes and, because of the tension between them, throws all of his time into his work. Laurence is a very wired and tense character and Moy's reflection of this is to be commended.

Emily Head plays Angela who comes to Beverly's soiree with her husband, Tony. Head probably has one of the easiest jobs out of all the actors, however with her sweet nature and clear lovable envy of Beverly's lifestyle, her performance is probably my favourite. Cary Crankson plays Tony and is a man of few words although his expressions say a thousand. His flares were definitely a highlight!

Jackie Morrison plays single mum, Sue, who is attending Beverly's gathering against her better judgement as her daughter - Abigail - is having a party at her own house. She is very monosyllabic throughout and does not have a great deal of conversation, even when trying to be engaged by the other characters. Morrison's is an interesting character - her loneliness comes across but rather than embracing the company, she seems to shy away from it.

Abigail's Party is incredibly enjoyable to watch, if not exceptionally awkward at times. It is a play where not a lot happens, yet so much does at the same time. Confusing as this may seem, I would thoroughly recommend the production to anyone.

Abigail's Party plays at the Curve Theatre, Leicester until 8 November 2014.

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