Abigails Party at the Lowry Theatre Review
Abigail's Party
The Lowry Theatre, Manchester
29th April – 4th May
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Although it was 1977 when Mike Leigh wrote the now cult classic Abigail’s Party and Iwas only eleven I have grown up loving it as my mum and aunties were huge fans at the time and still are now. So I was over the moon to be asked to review this last night and of course I took my mum along!
When you walk into the theatre you immediately step back in time as the set design by Mike Britton is perfect. It had not only me and my mum giggling and pointing things out, but everybody else chatting amongst themselves about the 70s decor living room including fibre optic lamp, a must in 1977.
This black comedy about middle class snobbery centres around Beverly the flirty, bossy and not very nice hostess of small get together for the neighbours. While 15 year old Abigail is having her party a couple of doors away.
With a never ending supply of gin and tonic, and force fed cheese and pineapples and cigarettes the chit chat turns dark with hilarious yet sometimes sad consequences.
Hannah Waterman plays the part of Beverly, the role made famous by Alison Steadman (who was married to Mike Leigh at the time). She is perfect for it, and had me disliking her immensely by the second act. Awkward, innocent Angela is played by Katie Lightfoot, Angela is a nurse and I felt that she was portrayed a little too "dim" for a professional person. Beverly’s stuffy long suffering husband Laurence is Martin Marquez, he plays him well and you do start feeling sorry for him. Mum of Abigail, (who we never actually see or hear) is shy and very proper divorced Sue, Emily Raymond takes the role and her comic timing is fantastic. Samuel James is Tony, Angela’s husband who is a tad too flirty with the ladies and not too keen on his wife either.
This is a fantastic production and a must see, you don't have to be a Mike Leigh fan to appreciate the wit and dark humour shown throughout. We loved it, so much so that my mum has raved about to my aunties and they have booked seats to see for themselves!!!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £19 to £29
For more information or to book tickets click here.
