Abigail's Party

The 1970’s was brought back to life by Blackwood Little Theatre, with a perfect reenactment by the cast of Abigail’s Party. An iconic play from screen director and playright Mike Leigh originally starring Alison Steadman as Beverley, was considered to be improvised around the actors a style created by Mike Leigh which was relevant and shown in this play.

This play was also famously shown on television .

It is innovative and intriguing that the play and the title has little to do with the characters in the play as we never meet Abigail, Beverley’s fifteen year old Daughter who is hosting a wild party next door! The men are just dying to get next door to see what they are up to !

Blackwood gave this play their own take on it, with the so talented Catrin Owen as an amazing Beverley so very well done, and did she give the character some passion and guts, wow. Beverley, this heavy drinking, smoking, class conscious and oh so suburban woman Yes, we can meet women like it today so the play is timeless.

Laurence her long suffering workaholic Husband was played with a skill only Blaine Jones manages to create, a character we can relate to as he becomes the many faceted character.

A priceless performance from Sharon James – Evans as Angela so entertaining her comedy was brilliant!

Tony from Ben Livingston the Husband, quiet with hidden depths well played

Kate Fleet as Susan was just the perfect unsure of herself squirming characterisation needed for this role, spot on !!

Set was pure 1970’s every detail including the lava lamp! Good technical and sound.

Director Anya O’Callaghan can be proud of what was achieved with this play well deserved praise and reaction from the appreciative audience

Thank you for your welcome, every success for the rest of the year Blackwood!

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