Abigail's Party

Submitted by fwilcock on Mon, 04/05/2009 - 21:00

Date of Play:

13-May-2004

One of the most uncomfortable, cringeing comedies of suburban manners ever staged.

The play takes place in the living room of Laurence and Beverley, at no. 13 Richmond Road, in the heart of suburbia. Laurence and Beverley are entertaining their new neighbours Angela and Tony to drinks and snacks. Also invited is Susan, whose teenage daughter, Abigail, is giving a party at which her mother would be less than welcome.

At first goodwill, clichés and fatuous small-talk abound. However, the sense of growing marital strain between Laurence and Beverley, Susan's growing anxiety as to what is happening at her daughter's party (increasingly evident through the sound of rock music penetrating the room), and the supreme tactlessness of various remarks by the increasingly inebriated Beverley and Angela generate a rising tension, which finally snaps.

Horrific reality breaks into their smug suburban world as the pace quickens towards a shocking and thought-provoking ending.

Set Design: Graham Turnbull
Stage Manager: Carrie Cleland
Lighting & Sound: Phil Todd
Prompt: Susannah Douglas
Front of House: Sheila Harrington
Original Erotic Art: Iona McCann