To be informed when new reviews are added, drop an email to:
mailer@onstagescotland.co.uk
mailer@onstagescotland.co.uk
and we'll keep you up to date.
Abigail's Party
London Classic Theatre
One of the most popular plays to emerge from the 1970s, Abigail’s Party is a classic example of character-driven comedy, suspense, and drama.
Mike Leigh wrote the play with the help of improvising actors, and the result was more like a chemical reaction than a linear narrative: simply place five strong-willed and dynamic characters together and see what erupts.
As the socially dominating hostess, Beverly, Alice Selwyn absolutely drips with contempt for those around her. Her shallowness is apparent from the very beginning, and her unapologetic lust is one of the most hilarious and disconcerting aspects of the production.
"It is rare to
find a cast having
as much fun as
these performers
clearly are"
By contrast, Steve Dineen plays her husband Laurence with stoic sobriety, edging the audience towards sympathy. He is careful, however, to maintain an ominous resolve in his voice. Behind his business-like exterior is a dangerous and threatening persona.
Amid such dark characters, it follows that the foolish and naïve Angela stands out like a beacon. Amy Starling steals the show with her grating speech and oafish posture. As the action breaks down into a circus of simultaneous conflict, watching Starling act outside of the action is entertainment in itself.
These are just three of five accomplished performances - there are no weak links in this ensemble. Credit should be also given for the realism and design of the set, which is impressively detailed for a small-cast touring production.
While Abigail’s Party may not be the most compelling story ever devised, it is rare to find a cast having as much fun as these performers clearly are.
Reviewed at Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh.
Note: The reviewed performance ended prematurely when actor Steve Dineen was taken ill. Happily, he made a swift recovery and was back on stage the following night.
Patrick Bradley
May 21-22 at Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock. Tel: 0141 577 4970.
May 23-24 at Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy. Tel: 01592 412929.
www.londonclassictheatre.co.uk
Have you seen this production? Share your views!
What the papers said:
Edinburgh Evening News:
**** "The performances are particularly noteable. Amy Starling is excruciatingly servile as Angela"
Interested in becoming a reviewer?
Email work samples
Email work samples
© OnstageScotland.co.uk
Hosted by www.1and1.co.uk