Beverly and Laurence are hosting a drinks party for their newly arrived neighbours, Angela and Tony, along with the anxious Susan, whose teenage daughter Abigail is holding a party of her own nearby. As the drinks flow and the conversation drifts between small talk, social ambitions and awkward attempts at sophistication, tensions begin to emerge beneath the surface.

What starts as a seemingly ordinary evening soon descends into a masterclass of uncomfortable comedy, simmering rivalries and social embarrassment as relationships are tested and frustrations boil over.

Packed with sharp observations, unforgettable characters and Mike Leigh’s trademark wit, Abigail’s Party remains one of the most iconic comedies in British theatre.

Funny, cringe-inducing and brilliantly observed, this classic play is as relevant today as ever.

By Mike Leigh

Directed by Joanne Shepherd

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