Abigail’s Party

Doing something as well-known as Abigail’s Party can be a double edged sword – on the one hand, you may attract new audience members who have seen it on the TV but on the other, this gives a certain level of expectation to live up to. If the former were true for this production then they are certainly going to be returning as CDS had absolutely no issue in living up to anyone’s expectation with their excellent production of this classic.

This was a consummate production that was well acted, well rehearsed, well directed and it showed throughout. Pretty sure I spotted a few minor line/timing issues across the production but one mark of a cast working as a true team and having each other’s back is that they blend it so well that it appears to be part of the conversation (only to be spotted by those of us who have been there!). There was a few bits of complex business, notably all the drinks and for the audience to see seamless action, there has been hours of rehearsals to get it so spot on.

The set was fantastic and suited the time period perfectly (and made me want to go and buy a lava lamp!). The dressing was spot on for the era, the only thing that could have probably added is a couple more pictures up and above the ones referenced. Those types of social climbers rarely adhered to the “less is more” philosophy! Sound and lighting was efficient throughout and dealt with moving volume levels reflecting the nearby party and the record player with no issues

Props again were perfect for the seventies (fake cigs aside but they were very well deployed and the “lighting” of them looked realistic) although we had an over enthusiastic soda dispenser and a self-locking briefcase for the cast to deal with on the night which they did admirably! Costume was spot on and Beverley’s dress as the “hostess with the mostess” was gorgeous.

The acting was superb throughout, this was a very strong cast! Accents were also very good given that we are a long way from the South East! We first meet Beverley (Lydia Lavill), the host of the soiree and the purveyor of all our 70s favourites such as cheese and pineapple on a stick plus copious amounts of gin! I have never seen Abigail’s Party before (film or play) and I could definitely see shades of Alison Steadman as inspiration without the performance at any point seeming like just mimicry. Beverley is probably quite an unhappy woman and the emotional shades were all there alongside the humour and some fabulous one liners. Great performance!

Beverley’s husband Lawrence (Paul Roberts) manages to be both bombastic & blustering and henpecked all at the same time which Paul pulled off very well. He also had the dreaded “malfunctioning prop” when the briefcase locked itself on one side but he very subtly gave it a good go at getting it open and still managing to get across taking his pills! Well done as I know what would have been ging through your head having been in similar situations but I bet most people didn’t notice (my husband didn’t!). I also thought your final scene was very well done, dramatic without being melodramatic.

Angela (Nic Smith) and Tony (Stephen Gussin) are the new neighbours invited for the evening. In Angela’s case, new neighbour and possible challenger for Beverley’s crown of chief gin drinker! Nic’s performance of someone getting gradually drunker across the evening was nicely done and she does have some great one liners which were well delivered. Many of the early laughs were garnered by Stephen’s utterly deadpan and pretty monosyllabic delivery of answers to Beverley’s questions when she tries to instigate conversation. We’ve all been stuck at a party with someone like that! But we see a bit more to Tony is Act 2 giving Stephen a bit more stretch to his performance which he took full advantage of.

Sue (Brigid O’Connor) is the mother of the teenage Abigail whose party is named and referenced but never seen. She is taking refuge in order to not crowd Abigail and her friends and is a more straight-laced character than the other party guests. However, her attempt to moderate her alcohol intake fall on Beverley’s deaf ears! This was a nice performance straddling concern for her daughter, the legendary British politeness to her hosts in the face of the gin barrage and the obvious embarrassment when she is sick as a consequence.

There were a couple of lines in reference to the men going to check on the 15 year old girls at the party which haven’t aged well and certainly make 2025 sensibilities wince slightly but those aside, Abigail’s Party remains as relevant and funny as ever and when done as well as this, is a great night of theatre! Well done to all and thank you for making me so welcome.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.