Abigail's Party is among Prestwich-born playwright Mike Leigh’s most famous work.
The 1977 television play has been reimagined by director Sarah Esdaile in this touring production, starring Jodie Prenger in the role of Beverly, played by Alison Steadman in the original.
The setting is Essex suburbia in the house of pushy social climber Beverly and her beleaguered estate agent husband Laurence (Daniel Casey), who are hosting a drinks party.
Guests include divorcée Sue (Rose Keegan) kicked out of her home for the evening as daughter, Abigail, is having her own party there, as well as newly moved-in neighbours Angela (Vicky Binns) and Tony (Calum Callaghan).
We never actually see the 15-year-old Abigail, who instead exists as a reminder of the 'other' and more exciting, young lives going on elsewhere, while our 'grown-up' suburbanites pick fights with each other to enliven their otherwise monotonously middle-class existences.
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Prenger is magnificent from the off as the pretentious, politically incorrect and predatory hostess, Beverly, an underlying aggression to her every move as she wafts around the room in a paisley chiffon maxi dress foisting unwanted drinks and cheese and pineapple on sticks on her obedient guests. Her whiny, Essex drawl is spot on, as are her extravagant mannerisms and comic timing.
Casey's Laurence meanwhile perfectly embodies the hen-pecked, stressed-out husband, belittled by his wife at every opportunity and scorned by her right up until the play's tragi-comic climax.
As the alcohol flows, tongues loosen and tensions rise, Callaghan's boorish, monosyllabic Tony fixing his eager-to-please wife, Angela, with an amusing death stare throughout while the overbearing and romantically frustrated Beverley sets her sights on seducing him.
Single mum Sue, played with heart and an understated humour by Rose Keegan, is a background figure throughout, a sign of the times in that she is a figure of pity due to not having a man, something that even the bullying Beverly admits 'we all need'.
With just one unchanging set throughout - a marvellously mustard and brown hued lounge, and five actors, this is a play completely reliant on great acting and that's exactly what the audience get from every character.
As far as the play's relevance today goes, it's true that pilchard curry - cue an audible groan from the audience, Demis Roussos records and Estee Lauder's Youth Dew are no longer top of most people's shopping lists but the relationship dynamics remain as familiar and topical as ever.
This classic play is every bit as enjoyable and as funny as when it was first performed. If you've ever been in a romantic relationship, it's a must-see.
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