Abigail's Party

Once again, Phoenix Theatre Company opened their small, but beautifully formed, theatre for us to join them in the living room at the home of Laurence and Beverly. My sister actually gasped and commented that we could have been sitting in her first home, as the furniture was practically identical. The iconic drinks cabinet and low light over the dining table also featured in my parent’s home and instantly took me back to that era. The layout worked perfectly and allowed the cast to move around freely. The set and lighting designers/technicians must be commended for their attention to detail: I loved how the wall and overhead lights worked, which enhanced the ambience of the set; even the artwork on the walls was indicative of the 70’s and added the finishing touches nicely.

Sandy MacNeill played Beverly, the bored wife and hostess of the drinks party, who was resentful of her overworked and stressed husband and was frankly irritated by him. Beverly was looking for something to spice up her life and Sandy’s subtle use of body language throughout the play emphasised this frustration. Her long lingering looks at the new man in the close, touching him at every opportunity was brilliant. Even the way in which she spoke to Tony, with inuendo’s in abundance, held a seductive note that had the audience tittering. Sandy’s prowess at poring fresh drinks every five minutes for each of the cast, whilst continuing her dialogue, was superb. Remembering who was drinking what and in which glass throughout was amazing and had me mesmerised. Not once did she miss a beat or drop the persona she was acting.

Tom Lee-Hynes played Laurence, the overworked and slightly supercilious husband. Tom was excellent as the Estate Agent who put his house sales first even to the point of leaving Beverly alone just as the neighbours she had invited for drinks and nibbles were about to arrive.  He was instructed to get extra drinks whilst he was out and probably one of the funniest moments of the play was when he returned emptied handed only to walk on see the neighbours say ‘bugger’ and turn around and walk off again. Tom’s timing was impeccable and his exclamation heartfelt which had the audience in stitches. Whilst Laurence was not the most likeable of characters, with Beverly as the nagging wife, you could sympathise with him and this was down to Tom’s portrayal of the irksome man.

Lucy Davies played Susan, the mother of the never seen Abigail who was having a party! Susan was the very nervous, whilst wanting to be a good mother, type. She wanted to give Abigail freedom but with Beverly’s constant unhelpful suggestions about what could be happening, was struggling to remain calm. Lucy played this role with a confidence that had us believing that her daughter really was running riot. When Susan has too much to drink at Beverly’s insistence, there ensued a riotous few moments which many of the audience I am sure, could relate to. Susan’s discomfort at being in Beverley’s home and having too much to drink became more evident as the play went on with subtle facial expressions from Lucy showed her longing to escape.

Phil Field was Tony. For three quarters of the play Tony’s interaction with the cast was in monosyllabic responses to comments made by his wife or the seductive hostess. Phil was a master of timing and tone of response! He may only has said one word, but it spoke volumes and did have everyone laughing out loud. His quick interjection of ‘8 months’ was especially humorous. Tony seemed to have fallen into the husband role out of expectation rather than undying love of his wife and became more flattered by Beverly’s advances as the evening went on, a change in his responses was proof of this and when asked to go with Laurence to see how Abigail’s party was going on, relished the task, in more ways than one.

Michelle Cooper played the final cast member, Angela. Angela was a nurse whose aspirations were firmly fixed on marrying well, having a nice house and rosy future. Although delighted that they had managed to buy their home for two thousand less than the asking price, she was slowly becoming jealous of her neighbours and conscious of her husband’s mediocre job. Whilst Angela had a naivety that was mainly due to lack of experience she wanted very much to be part of the Beverly crowd. Michelle had this character off to a tee. Her quick put downs of Tony were perfectly timed, and her dizzy blond moments were endearing. She desperately wanted to appear as sophisticated as Beverly but didn’t quite have it. I loved and admired the way in which Michelle managed to eat, talk and react all at the same time, again without missing a beat. However, the crowning glory for me was when Angela, having failed to revive Laurence, flung herself backwards with her leg in the air suffering from cramp… This too I can relate to and it was hysterical and a fitting and humorous end to what had become a sober moment.

I thoroughly enjoyed the stagecraft of this production, the direction and acting from the cast was perfect as was the characterisation of their role. It was a fabulous production which you should be very proud of. Thank you, Phoenix, for inviting me, it was privilege to be there.

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