Abigail’s Party At Kings Theatre, Southsea Review

Reviewed by Jan Dixon

I had the pleasure of reviewing Abigail’s Party at The Kings Theatre, Southsea at the opening night on Wednesday 9th August 2023. On until Saturday 12th August 2023. Excellent performances from all five of the cast members, who expertly portrayed the different idiosyncrasies of each character.

Abigail’s Party, written by the extraordinarily talented Mike Leigh, was first performed in 1977 at Hampstead Theatre London and then televised as a ‘Play for Today’ on BBC1. It has been described as a black comedy harking back to the British class system and discomfort felt at that time by many people. The initial performance featured Mike Leigh’s wife, Alison Steadman, whose iconic portrayal of the main character, Beverly, has always set the scene for future versions of the play. I am very pleased to report that Rebecca Birch, who played Beverly in this performance, excelled at her portrayal of the character. Beverly is aspirational, desperately trying to show to the other characters that she has an enviable lifestyle and that she is fun to be with.

The whole play is set in the 1970’s suburban living room of Beverly and Laurence, which was decorated in the style of that time. The striking wallpaper, brown leather sofas, cocktail bar, room dividers, music system and coffee table are all part of the scene, perfectly demonstrating how much Beverly wanted to show to guests how middle-class they were. Beverly and Laurence are hosting a small soiree to their neighbours Angela, Tony and Sue. Beverly is anxious to demonstrate to her guests that she is the perfect hostess and that she has a wonderful home with all the trappings of success openly displayed. The décor, well stocked drinks cabinet, nibbles freely distributed and music system are all evidence of seemingly financial success and achievement. Angela (Alice De-Warrenne) and Tony (George Readshaw) are new neighbours that have recently moved into the area and Beverly is desperate to show off her larger house to them. Angela is a nurse and Tony is in IT; whilst Laurence is an estate agent. It is soon apparent that both Beverly and Laurence consider themselves to be superior to Angela and Tony by the comments made whilst being seemingly friendly and ingratiating. Sue (Jo Castleton) is a divorcee whose 15 year old daughter Abigail is holding a party in her mother’s, which is why Sue is attending Beverly’s soiree. Sue lives in an older property and is middle class; something Beverly wishes she was. Drink flows freely and inhibitions become looser. Beverly is intent on plying everyone with drinks, despite initial refusals and starts openly flirting with Tony. This leads to the façade of a happy relationship between Beverly and Laurence crumbling, as bickering and snide remarks abound. Choice of music is especially a bone of contention for Beverly and Laurence, as Laurence prefers classical, whilst Beverly wants Jose Feliciano. The happy atmosphere of the evening totally disintegrates, with everyone’s relationships exposed and found wanting.
This production was directed by Michael Cabot and produced by Kathryn Cabot of London Classic Theatre. The Set and Costume designer was Bek Palmer with Lighting Design by Matthew Green. Helen Samways was the |Production Manager; Megan Lawson Assistant Stage Manager; Paul Keeley-Sandys Videographer and Sheila Burnett in charge of Production Photography. Credit must also be given to the excellent Kings Theatre staff who worked professionally and seamlessly to ensure that the audience enjoyed their theatre experience.

I would thoroughly recommend this play and guarantee you will have an entertaining evening observing the interaction between the five very different characters portrayed and how their true selves are exposed to each other and the audience.

Rating: This is very much worth a 5 star rating.

Written by Jan Dixon on behalf of WGTD.

For more information or to book tickets please visit Abigail’s Party – Kings Theatre Portsmouth (kingsportsmouth.co.uk)