Abigail’s Party

As we approached the foyer of the theatre, we knew exactly what was in store for us. The model wearing the 70’s outfit with appropriate props was a big hint. The theme continued into the auditorium with posters displayed throughout and scatter cushions on the front row seats. Kaz Lloyd, Director, said she was going to go all out to depict the era, and she certainly did. The set was ‘fabulous’ with props like the soda bottle, the slimline telephone, the G Plan furniture, the wall art and the fibre optic light were just a few touches that brought the 70’s back with a bang. The long dress of Beverley and the nibbles on the table took me straight back to the dinner party’s my parents used to give.

As the curtains drew back, Beverley was seen standing on the coffee table with a 70s anthem playing to her seductive dance moves. She certainly got our attention, we were hooked.

Dani Worlock was Beverly, and she played the role so well she had me disliking her, pitying her and wanting to shake her in equal measure. Her characterisation never faltered, and her treatment of Laurence was cringe worthy, although as the play unfolds, you could almost sympathise with her behaviour as Laurence played by Andrew Cooper was a pompous opiniated workaholic. Although some of his cutting remarks went over Beverly’s head, or perhaps not! His jibes at Tony and Ange showed him to be an inveterate snob and was well matched with Beverly, although she would not have agreed.

Lindsay Phillips and Stephen Milner were the new neighbours Angela and Tony who were invited to the drinks party to meet Beverly and Laurence for the first time. They suffered the third degree from Beverly in different ways. Ange was keen to please and very enthusiastic about most things whereas Tony’s one word comment of yes was so expressive. As the drinks flowed the couple’s characters developed exposing more of their true feelings.

The next to arrive at the drinks party was Sue, mother of the absent Abigail who is having a party in the home, so Sue is invited to the drinks party by Beverly to get her out of the way. Sue was played by Jess Gilbert, and I could not believe it was the same person I met after the show. Everything about Sue screamed middle aged, frumpy, nervous, insecure mum who was on tenterhooks about what was happening at Abigails party.

I was delighted that this production had its own identity and whilst the storyline was untouched the interpretation was very different. Beverly was not played as Alison Steadman, Dani gave a first-class performance and had us in stitches with her illusions of grandeur which she really did think gave her an advantage over Ange and Tony. Her subtle put downs made me have a sharp intake of breath at times, but her pronunciation of Beaujolais was hysterical and emphasised her total lack of sophistication. The silent Tony saw everything but said nothing which was again very telling of the relationship he had with his wife. Although in the dance scene he showed his true colours with the way he was dancing with Beverly.

Laurence and Ange’s dance was inspired. Laurence moved in close to slow dance and Ange gives full disco diva, which was so funny and then at the end when Laurence shakes her hand it was perfect.

Sue remained stiff upper lip throughout even after being sick due to Beverly’s over generosity with the gin and tonic, but her body language and facial expressions spoke volumes and had the audience captivated. Even under the influence of alcohol she never lost her primness and poise.

The final scene always comes as a shock but even in the throws of Laurence’s heart attack Beverly’s complete oblivion to her husband’s situation is funny. The way she drops ash on him and Tony not knowing how to use the phone whilst the dizzy Ange comes into her own trying to revive Laurence with the added comedic illusion when Tony holds her hair back had the audience rocking in their seats. Sue’s mumsy character gets a grip and she shouts at Beverly which almost got a cheer too.

The final applause was heartfelt for a fantastic production. The clever direction made this a wonderful production. Thank you so much Conquest for inviting me.

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