A PAINFULLY awkward evening in 1970s suburbia is coming to Bath's Theatre Royal with the revival of Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party.
The production, from Theatre Royal Bath Productions in association with Stratford East, stars Tamzin Outhwaite as Beverly and Kevin Bishop as Laurence.
Outhwaite, best known for TV roles in EastEnders, Red Cap and New Tricks, returns to the Bath stage after previous appearances in Grease and Stepping Out, while Bishop is known for The Kevin Bishop Show, Star Stories and the 2016 revival of Porridge.
They lead a cast that also includes Pandora Colin as Sue, Omar Malik as Tony and Lauren Patel as Angela, in a revival which earned strong reviews and sold-out audiences in 2024.
Set in Essex in 1977, Abigail’s Party follows hostess Beverly as she throws a drinks party for new neighbours Angela and Tony, along with her guest Sue, whose teenage daughter Abigail is throwing a loud party of her own nearby. As the evening progresses, small talk gives way to flirtation, arguments and simmering tensions in a sharply observed study of class, status and social embarrassment.
Written by Mike Leigh, the play was developed through extended improvisations with the original cast, which included Alison Steadman as Beverly. It first premiered in 1977 and became a modern classic after being filmed for the BBC’s Play for Today.
This new production is directed by Nadia Fall, with design by Peter McKintosh, lighting by Howard Harrison, sound by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite and movement by James Cousin.
Abigail’s Party runs at the Theatre Royal Bath from June 22 to June 27, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
Tickets start from £33 plus booking fee and are available from the Theatre Royal Bath box office on 01225 448844 or via the Theatre Royal Bath website.
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