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With its themes of fitting in, keeping up and holding it together, Amy Mitchell discovers Abigail’s Party continues to resonate with audiences
Image: Amy Rockson, Laura Rogers & Chaya Gupta in Abigail’s Party at Northern Stage by Pamela Raith
An eye-catching 1970’s showroom staging (designed beautifully by Anna Yates) sets the tone for this revival production of Abigail’s Party at Northern Stage, which takes a fresh look at the Mike Leigh play made popular by the BBC Play for Today TV version.
The bright lighting and the depth of the stage, where the plastic covered sofa, kitchen set and dining table were laid out as in a showroom, created a feeling of exposure rather than claustrophobia. The pristine white shag-effect carpet covering the entire stage added to the sense of this being a show-home, not a real home, creating a contrast as the manners and social niceties break down, and the later scenes descend into chaos and darkness.
There were excruciating moments where I was cringing and felt like looking away from the bickering and social awkwardness. And there were many moments when I was laughing at the sharp and witty script and the spot-on delivery from the actors, in particular the dead-pan responses by Tony (played by Joe Blakemore).
The characters are all presenting a front in some way, ‘performing’ for each other. Beverly’s character (portrayed fabulously by Laura Rogers) was less abrasive and condescending than expected, more misguided and lost than a ‘Hyacinth Bouquet’. Leander Deeny as Laurence was excellent, from the minutiae of his facial expressions (a twitch, a frown) to his physicality, bordering on farce at times.
A moment that stood out for me was when Lawrence moved the sofa so the guests can dance, and ends up rolling over it, getting covered in fluff from the carpet. This flailing about was funny and when repeated in the final moments in a different context it took on a much darker tone. Having not been overly familiar with the play (and feeling that I very much should be) meant that I was kept intrigued as events unfolded, and the performances were wonderful.
It is a piece of its time, although director Jack Bradfield hopes that it resonates with a new generation, and offers a fresh perspective on the timeless struggle of fitting in, keeping up and holding it all together. Judging by the audience’s enthusiastic response (which on this evening included HRH The Duke of Edinburgh) there is still room for Abigail’s Party on stage in 2024.
Abigail’s Party is at Northern Stage, Newcastle until Saturday 28th September.
