Abigail’s Party (Archive)

by Mike Leigh

May 2001

Suburbanites Laurence and Beverly Moss are entertaining their new neighbours, Angela and Tony, to drinks and snacks. Also invited is Susan, whose daughter, Abigail, is giving a party at which her mother would not be very welcome.

Goodwill, cliches and fatuous smalltalk abound at first, but the sense of growing marital strain between Beverly and Laurence, Susan’s growing anxiety as to what is happening at her daughter’s party and the supreme tactlessness of remarks by Beverly and Angela generate a rising tension which finally snaps.

Cast

Beverly Moss Hazel Blenkinsop
Laurence Moss Dan Hawkins
Angela Karrie Shield
Tony Paul West
Susan Teresa Cole McGee

Crew

Producer Jill Mowlam
Co-producer Mike Crawshaw
Stage Manager Christine Sutton
Set Design Chris Sutton
Set Construction Chris & Christine Sutton, Jim Melville, Ian Squire, Joseph Hughes
Sound Chris Pearson
Lighting Ian Squire
Props Brenda West & Avril Bagg
Prompt Hazel Galvin
Costumes Chris Squire
Front of House Cath Staton
Ticket Sales Ken Beer
Publicity Joseph Hughes