Abigail's Party

NODA owns the intellectual Property Rights to the content of all show reports written by NODA Councillors, Reps and Assistant Reps.Although written for the theatre, "Abigail's Party" became a 70's cult classic when produced as Play for Today on BBC TV and it would be easy to dismiss it as dated.  Written and set in the 1970s, the outfits are, naturally, dated but the situation is not - five adults "enjoying" an evening together, discussing buying houses, music, work, their children - or lack of. 

The Set Design team really excelled themselves with both set and props paying  much attention to detail, thus bringing a feeling of nostalgia to those who lived through that era. Where did you find that wallpaper!? Costumes too were spot on.  Lighting (Graham Royston) did all it needed to do and Edmund King skilfully managed the sound effects which need split second timing in paces. 

Director Nick Gulvin certainly understood what this play is about. It was skilfully directed with no unnecessary moves whilst making full use of the acting area.  Characterisations were excellent and within minutes we knew that Beverley is just going to be the hostess from hell as she holds court in her own house, bullying her guests while making cringe-inducing social blunders; but as the evening wore on we saw the inadequacies of each character surface.

Frances Rayner’s Beverley was excellent. She made you cringe virtually from the start as she greeted her first guests. Frances threw herself into the role and was totally believable.  It made you really feel for the downtrodden Laurence played by Graeme Churchman, who also gave a very good account of himself.  The  build-up to his on-coming heart attack was gradual but well flagged and ultimately handled well ‘at the death’.  Angela's feeble attempts at conversation are laughable and Fay Childs with her excellent delivery and her good timing was very impressive indeed.  Huw Davies got an enormous amount from his role as the monosyllabic Tony finding many varied ways to deliver “yes”. He created a seemingly laid-back character until he got to the end of his tether with Ange.   Prue Harrison was splendid as Sue.  This was a wonderfully understated but a no less quality performance allowing us to see beneath the polite and socially superior exterior to the uncomfortable and lonely person Sue is beneath.

This production was well cast with the humour and characterisations well maintained throughout. Director and cast completely understood both the play and the era which they brought over well.  Top marks to all five actors.  Congratulations to St John’s Players and Director Nick Gulvin and all who brought nostalgia back with this play choice which was a good example of tragic-comedy, providing an extremely enjoyable evening of theatre. 

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