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Abigail’s Party review – woozy, boozy Beverly throws her party from hell once again
Royal Exchange theatre, ManchesterThis version of Mike Leigh’s classic brings out the boozy claustrophobia, while Kym Marsh as Beverly and Tupele Dorgu as Susan brilliantly draw out the sadness of suburban dreamsFor a play so rooted in the 1970s, Abigail’s Party is having a surprising renaissance. The Royal Exchange’s new production is the third major revival of Mike Leigh’s play in less than 12 months, after outings with Theatre Royal Stratford East and English Touring Theatre. Natalie Abrahami’s version relocates the play to Manchester, though this could be a middle-class cul-de-sac anywhere.Leigh’s tale of suburban boredom and aspiration transports easily, speaking to a whole generation of striving consumers. At its heart is domineering hostess Beverly, played with a loose-limbed, tipsy energy by Kym Marsh. Forcing drinks and nibbles on her guests, she’s forever on the verge of swaying – either to the music or from one too many gin and tonics – but beneath this there are occasional glints of something harder. Continue reading...
Royal Exchange theatre, Manchester
This version of Mike Leigh’s classic brings out the boozy claustrophobia, while Kym Marsh as Beverly and Tupele Dorgu as Susan brilliantly draw out the sadness of suburban dreams
For a play so rooted in the 1970s, Abigail’s Party is having a surprising renaissance. The Royal Exchange’s new production is the third major revival of Mike Leigh’s play in less than 12 months, after outings with Theatre Royal Stratford East and English Touring Theatre. Natalie Abrahami’s version relocates the play to Manchester, though this could be a middle-class cul-de-sac anywhere.
Leigh’s tale of suburban boredom and aspiration transports easily, speaking to a whole generation of striving consumers. At its heart is domineering hostess Beverly, played with a loose-limbed, tipsy energy by Kym Marsh. Forcing drinks and nibbles on her guests, she’s forever on the verge of swaying – either to the music or from one too many gin and tonics – but beneath this there are occasional glints of something harder. Continue reading...
