Abigail's Party

A suburban cocktail party set in the 1970s is in the mix from Sheringham’s Little Theatre Players.

Abigail’s Party throws together a set of neighbours whose widely differing characters, class and attitudes get exposed as the alcohol flows and uncorks people’s prejudices and snobberies. 

Mike Leigh’s classic comedy of manners highlights their aspirations, particularly of houseproud hostess Bev Moss, who tries to impress her guests with her upwardly mobile tastes.

She is played by Little Theatre commercial manager and keen amateur actress Hannah Smith, who said: “Bev’s a complicated character, who is awful but also vulnerable and sad underneath – which is why she is such a joy to play.”

Her henpecked husband Laurence is played by Ray Tempesta. The main guests are new neighbours Tony and Angie, (Tom Denny and Charlie Pistorius). The final piece of the party jigsaw is straight-laced middle classed divorcee Sue (Beverley Taylor), whose unseen teenage daughter Abigail is having her own party next door.

The dynamics and class war skirmishes between the hosts and guests are the fuel for the timeless satire which first appeared on the West End stage in 1977. Later that year it was also featured as a BBC TV Play For Today. Both featured Alison Steadman in the Bev role.

Abigail’s Party runs at Sheringham Little Theatre from February 26 to March 1. For tickets visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call 01263 822347.

The next productions by the Little Theatre Players are Cold Comfort Farm (March 26-29), and Outside Edge (June 25-28).

PICTURES (credit Richard Batson/ SLT)