We had a wonderful evening at the Theatre Royal in Bath during our recent visit enjoying Abigail's Party. The evening was arranged by my sister and brother in law as a birthday treat. We had very good seats in a packed auditorium with a very appreciative audience enjoying the play.
It was an excellent production with Jill Halfpenny in the starring role as Bev. She was brilliant - no sign of a Geordie accent! She was ably supported by Susannah Harker, Andy Nyman, Natalie Casey and Joe Absalom.
The production created just the right balance between grotesque comedy and social commentary - giving the audience an excellent insight into the world of the 1970s. The social climbers, the would be middle class and the bewildered divorcee with the tearaway daughter - excellent ingredients for this type of comedy.
The social get-together from hell begins when Beverley and estate agent husband Laurence invite new neighbours, Tony and Ange round for a drink, Also at the soiree is nervous divorcee Sue, twitchy about the party her fifteen year old daughter, Abigail, is throwing over the road. As Beverley plies her guests with alcohol, cigarettes, Demis Roussos and nibbles, (including the now infamous ‘cheesypineapple ones’), this horribly compelling evening descends into drunkenness and debauchery. Comedy, drama and tragedy combine into an iconic piece of theatre.
The Theatre Royal is beautiful. Designed by Thomas Greenaway and built originally in 1805 it has been recently extended but all the original features have been retained.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening and we enjoyed the theatre so much we've booked to see School for Scandal later in the Summer! The theatre should suit this eighteenth century comedy of manners down to the ground!
The production created just the right balance between grotesque comedy and social commentary - giving the audience an excellent insight into the world of the 1970s. The social climbers, the would be middle class and the bewildered divorcee with the tearaway daughter - excellent ingredients for this type of comedy.
The social get-together from hell begins when Beverley and estate agent husband Laurence invite new neighbours, Tony and Ange round for a drink, Also at the soiree is nervous divorcee Sue, twitchy about the party her fifteen year old daughter, Abigail, is throwing over the road. As Beverley plies her guests with alcohol, cigarettes, Demis Roussos and nibbles, (including the now infamous ‘cheesypineapple ones’), this horribly compelling evening descends into drunkenness and debauchery. Comedy, drama and tragedy combine into an iconic piece of theatre.
The Theatre Royal is beautiful. Designed by Thomas Greenaway and built originally in 1805 it has been recently extended but all the original features have been retained.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening and we enjoyed the theatre so much we've booked to see School for Scandal later in the Summer! The theatre should suit this eighteenth century comedy of manners down to the ground!