THE compelling drama of Abigail's Party will be brought to life at the Brindley, Runcorn, giving a wickedly observant insight into 1970s lower middle class social climbing.
Originating as a Hampstead Theatre production and first broadcast as part of Play for Today on the BBC, Abigail's Party is Mike Leigh's best-known television work, and perhaps the most celebrated play of the 1970s.
The action, presenting an appalling evening of domestic entertaining in suburbia, takes place entirely in a confined living room in the home of Beverly and Laurence. The party which provides the play's title remains off-screen, initially misleading the audience into thinking that the real action is happening elsewhere.
Abigail's Party is morbidly compelling. None of the characters seems to like each other; the relationships between the couples appear to be based on mutual irritation and all seem self-obsessed. Nor are any of them particularly likeable, which allows a comic mood to prevail even when events darken.
Abigail's Party will be performed at the Brindley from January 30 until February 3. For tickets priced £10, concessions £8, contact the box office on 0151 907 8360.
