A party to remember
The Ensemble Theatre won’t easily forget a bash like the satirical Abigail’s Party.
The play revolves around Beverly who throws a party because Susan’s teenage daughter Abigail is having a party next door. These absolute opposites battle it out Kath & Kim-style to outdo each other.
Abigail’s Party was written for stage and television in 1977 and watched by 16 million viewers in the UK. The script was famously developed through extensive improvisations with playwright/director Mike Leigh’s original cast.
The characters need to be real and I hope people identify with and laugh with -” not at -” the characters in this play, said director Mark Kilmurry.
Beverly became a gay icon in the ’70s and ’80s in the UK after the play was screened on television. It has themes for everyone and is outrageously funny and appeals to everyone.
We have set the play in Australia and it is wonderful watching audiences howl with recognition at the bad taste in the room.
Theatre sensation Queenie van de Zandt will play the role of Beverly and Julie Hudspeth will star as Susan. Kilmurry hopes the viewers find the wonderful recreation of the era as real and as significant as he does.
The play is very relevant as it deals with the material world. Mike Leigh taps into the aspirations we all feel whether worrying about class, jobs, house buying, he said. The sad thing about the play is that it hasn’t dated.
info: Abigail’s Party is at the Ensemble Theatre until Saturday 2 May. Tickets start at $39. Bookings on 9929 0644 or ensemble.com.au.
