Love to love it

With Mike Leigh’ new film Happy-Go-Lucky hitting cinemas in April to positive critical praise, Scottish theatre audiences have now got the chance to revisit Abigail’s Party – the biting suburban satire that helped cement his reputation three decades ago.

Abigail’s Party was originally conceived as an observational, semi-improvised ensemble piece, but gained cult status after being filmed for the BBC’s Play For Today. Taking a sledgehammer to the aspirations, behaviour, and cultural pretensions of the British middle classes, the broadcast featured an unforgettable Alison Steadman as monstrous housewife Beverly.

Presented by London Classic Theatre, director Michael Cabot’s revival is 4 months into a rigorous and successful UK-wide tour. The Scottish leg takes in Musselburgh’s Brunton Theatre this Thursday and Friday, before playing at Giffnock’s Eastwood Park Theatre, and Kirkcaldy’s Adam Smith Centre later in May.

A highly rated cast includes Steve Dineen, Anna Kirke, Jamie Matthewman, Alice Selwyn, and Amy Starling.

Abigail’s Party is at Musselburgh’s Brunton Theatre on May 1 and 2, Giffnock’s Eastwood Park Theatre on May 21 and 22 , and Kirkcaldy’s Adam Smith Centre on May 23 and 24.