Photo Flash: First Look at BEFORE THE PARTY at the Almeida

Matthew Dunster directs Rodney Ackland's Before The Party at The Almeida Theatre, which runs until 11 May 2013, with press night on 28 March. Based on a short story by Somerset Maugham, Before The Party has designs by Anna Fleischle with lighting by Philip Gladwell and sound by Ian Dickinson. Dunster's production of Before The Party will be the first in over 25 years. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The cast comprises Stella Gonet (Blanche), Katherine Parkinson (Laura Skinner), Alex Price (David), Michelle Terry (Kathleen Skinner), Michael Thomas (Aubrey) and June Watson (Nanny). They are joined by Polly Dartford, Anna Devlin and Emily Lane who will alternate the role of Susan Skinner.

The war is over and the Skinner family are trying to return to normal. If only the blasted Government weren't such a nuisance about the rations and Cook could get some more of those delicious delicacies. With daughter Laura returned from Africa, widowed but not alone, they prepare for the latest social gathering. Amidst the never-ending whirl of hats and dresses and below stairs skirmishes, Laura reveals a shocking secret that threatens to ruin more than one party on the climb to social success.

Before The Party runs at The Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, Islington, London, N1 1TA. Box Office Phone 020 7359 4404 (10am - 7.30pm), www.almeida.co.uk, or in person 10.00am - 7.30pm, Monday - Saturday.

Photo Credit: Keith Pattison

Alex Price (David Marshall) and Katherine Parkinson (Laura Whittingham)

Alex Price (David Marshall)

Anna Devlin (Susan Skinner) and Stella Gonet (Blanche)

June Watson (Nanny)

Katherine Parkinson (Laura Whittingham)

Michael Thomas (Aubrey Skinner)

Michelle Terry (Kathleen Skinner)

Stella Gonet (Blanche Skinner) and Katherine Parkinson (Laura Whittingham)

Stella Gonet (Blanche Skinner)