By Mike Leigh
Directed by Michael Cabot
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 at Hampstead Theatre in London, Mike Leigh and a cast including Alison Steadman, premiered Abigail’s Party – a ferocious black comedy and a true landmark of twentieth century theatre.
In her suburban living room, Beverly prepares for the arrival of her guests. She and husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Sue. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 1970s British life begins…
Age Guidance: 14+
Contains strong language
Running time: 2 hours and 5 minutes including a 20 minute interval
Main image and rehearsal photography by Rosalind Furlong