Mike Leigh’s 1977 master class of peering into human fragility is realised here in the latest reboot at New Vic. Abigail’s party is of course, the one happening further up the street, which we don’t get to see, instead the action is based inside the plush 1970’s living room of the elegantly dressed, but overbearing Beverly and her neurotic husband Laurence, who struggles to deal with his wife’s behaviour.
Invited to the gathering is the meekly mannered Susan, mother of the titular Abigail, who is left pondering what is going on at her own house, taking refuge, but not helped in the least by the ‘party tales’ from Beverly and her constant patronisation. Susan is joined by new neighbours Angela and Tony (they brought their house for £21,000 you know!). Socially awkward Angela (who becomes less so after downing many Gin and Tonic’s) is very chattery, in a complete opposite to Tony, whose limited to aggressive grunts and single word answers. The scene is set for Mike Leigh’s examination of 1970’s suburban life.
It’s wonderfully written and much of the action goes on underneath the surface. It’s in a gesture, an acerbic glance from husband to wife, or an awkward silence. What stays initially sub-terrain has to burst forth and it does with aplomb as the night descends into chaos, arguing over records, dancing with one another’s partners and arguments over food.
Rebecca Birch wonderfully plays Beverly, her crass comments to Susan and Angela brilliantly delivered, her knowing glances to Tony and her visible and vocal disdain for Laurence. Equally matching her strong performance is Tom Richardson as husband Laurence, arguing with Beverly through gritted teeth in a false grin to keep up appearances and dragging the other guests into their domestic chaos.
Alice De-Warrenne delightfully plays the naive Angela, awkward and giddy, but starting to come out of her shell as the play goes on. George Readshaw’s overbearing Tony shows his great physical acting with a stance, grunt and glance telling more than his one or two line initial responses say. Completing the quintet is Jo Castleton as Susan, doing a fantastic job of being caught in the cross-fire of the other couples, but conveying brilliantly more than her own share of neurosis of her daughter’s party.
A nod to Bek Palmer who has created a fantastic set with all the must-have items in a suburban home from the time. The record player to the fibre optic lamp, drinks cabinet and glass ashtrays. I heard a number of people in the audience prior to the first half talking about all the items that were on the stage and reminiscing.
London Classic Theatre have come up trumps with this fine play. It’s fantastically cast , brilliantly executed, wonderfully funny and dramatic.
It’s on until the 15th April with tickets available here: https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/abigails-party/
