Post by capybara on Nov 17, 2024 11:36:46 GMT
This is a sharp take on Mike Leigh’s seminal sitcom of manners. Firstly, Anna Yates’ set design is glorious - from the white fluffy rug covering the entire stage to the fibre optic light adorning the coffee table, the audience is immediately transported into 1970s suburbia (with many audibly pointing props out with an “ooh, we had that!).
Laura Rogers as Beverley is totally hypnotising. In many ways, you end up watching her face for small giveaways and reactions even when the other characters are speaking. Giving Beverley a strong Welsh accent, and the sing-song rhythm that comes with that, makes her all the more fascinating.
Chaya Gupta is fantastic in her portrayal of Angela, capturing the character’s rapid spiralling from eager-to-please to ready-to-leave. She gets some of the biggest laughs in this production.
Meanwhile, Amy Rockson brings great balance with the stoic Susan and Joe Blakemore makes for a convincing Tony, finally cracking as the final moments play out. Leander Deeny pays homage to John Cleese’s Basil Fawlty as Laurence. The beauty of Abigail’s Party is in the unravelling and boy, does Deeny do that with aplomb.
Overall, this is a captivating performance of Leigh’s masterpiece. One thing I would add is that, looking at actor bios, four of the five person company has worked at one point or another on the BBC daytime soap Doctors, which aired its final episode this week. I never watched the show but I think this shows how important these grassroots programmes are for the ecosystem of theatre, as well as TV, acting. They should be protected, not looked down upon.
Four stars.
Laura Rogers as Beverley is totally hypnotising. In many ways, you end up watching her face for small giveaways and reactions even when the other characters are speaking. Giving Beverley a strong Welsh accent, and the sing-song rhythm that comes with that, makes her all the more fascinating.
Chaya Gupta is fantastic in her portrayal of Angela, capturing the character’s rapid spiralling from eager-to-please to ready-to-leave. She gets some of the biggest laughs in this production.
Meanwhile, Amy Rockson brings great balance with the stoic Susan and Joe Blakemore makes for a convincing Tony, finally cracking as the final moments play out. Leander Deeny pays homage to John Cleese’s Basil Fawlty as Laurence. The beauty of Abigail’s Party is in the unravelling and boy, does Deeny do that with aplomb.
Overall, this is a captivating performance of Leigh’s masterpiece. One thing I would add is that, looking at actor bios, four of the five person company has worked at one point or another on the BBC daytime soap Doctors, which aired its final episode this week. I never watched the show but I think this shows how important these grassroots programmes are for the ecosystem of theatre, as well as TV, acting. They should be protected, not looked down upon.
Four stars.
