London Classic Theatre present Mike Leigh’s ruthless and achingly funny examination of 1970s British life at the New Vic this April.

It was 1977, the year of skin-tight polyester, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and Saturday Night Fever. The Sex Pistols were storming up the charts, skateboarding was the latest craze and Angela Rippon danced with Morecambe & Wise. And Mike Leigh and his cast were putting the finishing touches to Abigail’s Party, the ferocious black comedy that became a true landmark of twentieth-century theatre.

Taking to the New Vic stage from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 15 April, Abigail’s Party follows the exploits of Beverly in her suburban living room as she prepares for the arrival of her guests. She and husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Susan. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, tensions will rise…

In the follow up to last year’s Same Time Next Year, London Classic Theatre Artistic Director Michael Cabot will direct Rebecca Birch (My Mother Said I Never Should, London Classic Theatre) as Beverly, Jo Castleton (War Horse, National Theatre) as Susan, Alice De-Warrenne (The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare’s Globe) as Angela, George Readshaw (Indecent Proposal, Southwark Playhouse) as Tony, and Tom Richardson (The Prince and the Pauper, New Vic) as Laurence in this achingly funny examination of 1970s British life.

Director Michael Cabot said: “Abigail’s Party is a wonderful mix of acute social observation and laugh-out-loud awkwardness. Mike Leigh’s script, famously devised with his original cast, is an absolute treasure trove for actors and directors alike. The characters may seem larger-than-life but there is an extraordinary undercurrent of nuance informing their actions and behaviour. The play is set in 1977, so we are spending a lot of time delving into the fashion and interior design of the period, which is a treat in itself!” 

Abigail’s Party takes to the stage at the New Vic from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 15 April 2023. Tickets are on sale now, priced from £20.00. For more information and to book call the Box Office on 01782 717962 or online at newvictheatre.org.uk.

Image credit: Rosalind Furlong