Abigail's Party

With pineapple and cheese at the ready and Donna Summer on the stereo, Abigail’s Party is a 1970s English class comedy that’s been described as the “social get-together from hell”. Written by Mike Leigh and directed by Karen Tropiano at Limelight Theatre this April, it follows a simple premise: Beverly invites two new neighbours over for drinks with divorcee Sue, whose 15-year-old daughter Abigail is having a party next door. Beverly is flamboyant, pretentious and henpecks her workaholic husband, who comes home late, while most of the guests don’t really want to be there. As the evening progresses, drinks continue to flow – as does the tension between the couples. Playwright Leigh is best known for his films Secrets & Lies, Naked and Vera Drake while the 1977 BBC Play for Today recording of Abigail’s Party came 11th out of the 100 greatest British television programs compiled by the British Film Institute.

Abigail’s Party plays at 8pm, April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 – tickets are $20 adults, $17 concession. Book on 9571 8591 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or online at www.limelighttheatre.com. Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.