Abigails Party

Tamzin Outhwaite stars as one of the most iconic characters in British theatre – the unforgettable Beverly in Mike Leigh’s ferocious black comedy of suburban life in the 1970s. Essex, 1977. Beverly is hosting, the alcohol is flowing, Demis Roussos is on the record player and the cheese and pineapple cocktail sticks are ready to go. Queen of the castle in her suburban semi, Beverly and husband Laurence welcome new neighbours Angela and Tony round for drinks. Sue from next door is invited too but the real party is happening back at her place, as Sue’s teenage daughter Abigail can’t seem to keep the racket down. Awkward small talk quickly descends into inappropriate flirtation and marital disputes: a soiree from hell, but it’d be rude to leave… Mike Leigh’s razor-sharp portrait of social class, materialism and sexual tension in 1970s England is an unmissable modern classic. Tamzin Outhwaite, much-loved from her television roles including EastEnders, Red Cap, Hotel Babylon and New Tricks, leads the cast in this revival of the Stratford East production which received stellar reviews during a sold out run in 2024.By Mike LeighDirected by Nadia Fall