Abigail’s Party reaches Wgtn

Following its recent revival throughout Britain, the Mike Leigh 1970s classic Abigail’s Party will be presented by Wellington Repertory Theatre this month.

Described as ‘‘ a suburban situation comedy of manners’’, Abigail’s Party is a satire about the aspirations and pretensions of the new middle class that emerged in Britain in the 1970s.

Beverly, played by Porirua’s Kaaryn Cater, is a formidable hostess who entertains the new neighbours. The evening’s initial goodwill, cliches and fatuous small-talk only serve to create a rising tension, which finally snaps with a dramatic denouement.

Cater is in her 10th show for Wellington-based community theatre.

Other cast members are Meredith Dooley (Angela), last seen as Sybil in Private Lives, Alan Carabott ( Laurence), most recently seen in Stagecraft Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Amanda LaFoy Brown ( Susan), who played the glamorous Amanda in Private Lives , and Clayton Foster (Tony), who has maintained a comedy podcast for an international audience for two years.

Abigail’s Party,