Wellington Repertory Theatre Presents Abigail’s Party

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Wellington Repertory Theatre Presents Abigail’s Party By Mike Leigh

Following its revival on the West End and throughout the UK over the past year, Wellington Repertory Theatre presents Mike Leigh’s 1970s classic, Abigail’s Party, from 7-17 August.

Described as ‘a suburban situation comedy of manners', Abigail’s Party is a satire on the aspirations and pretensions of the new middle class that emerged in Britain in the 1970s. It is a play that remains contemporary as a study of marital hell and joyless materialism.

Beverly, a formidable hostess, is entertaining the new neighbours. The evening's initial goodwill, clichés and fatuous small-talk only serve to create a rising tension, which finally snaps with a dramatic denouement.

“Fans of Mike Leigh, who devised the critically acclaimed and award winning film, Secrets & Lies (1996), will recognise in Abigail’s Party his unique style. For those who aren’t familiar with his work, the cutting insight into social interaction will resonate and entertain,” said Annabel Hensley, Director.

The cast includes: Kaaryn Cater (Beverly) in her 10th show for Wellington-based community theatre; Meredith Dooley (Angela) last seen as Sybil in Private Lives, who swaps behind-the-scenes work as Operations Manager for the Royal NZ Ballet for a turn in the limelight; Alan Carabott (Laurence) who was most recently in Stagecraft Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Amanda LaFoy Brown (Susan) who played the glamorous Amanda in Private Lives last year; and Clayton Foster (Tony), who has maintained a comedy podcast for an international audience for two years, and co-wrote and performed in a show that made it into the New York TV Festival in 2012.

Director, Annabel Hensley, won Best Director at the 2012 amateur theatre awards, the Antoinette’s, for her production last year of Noel Coward’s Private Lives. She is known for attention to detail in costumes, sets and props for period plays.

“This production of Abigail’s Party will be true to the late 70s with the psychedelic wallpaper, the retro outfits, the copious amounts of alcohol and cigarettes, and the fabulous music of the period. It has broad appeal to both baby boomers looking for a trip down memory lane and to younger audiences whose style today is influenced by that formative decade,” said Ms Hensley.

The production runs 7-17 August (excluding Monday 12 August, and production times vary) at the Gryphon Theatre, Ghuznee Street, Wellington. People are invited to dress-up in vintage 70s gear for the Saturday 10 August performance for a chance to win prizes.

To book tickets, email bookings@wellingtonrepertory.org.nz, or call 479 3393. Tickets prices are $25 waged, $20 unwaged, $18 for pre-paid groups of 10 or more.

ENDS

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