Theatre man Paul Phear takes a look at this new show in the West End
It’s easier to tell if a comedy is a success than most other forms of entertainment. If they laugh it’s funny, and the first night audience at Abigail’s Party (Wyndhams) certainly let it all out last Friday. If like me you grew up in the 70’s you’ll have lots of ‘ we had one of those’ moments when you see the lurid suburban dining room of 1977. Fibre Optic Lamp, geometric wallpaper, shag pile carpet, glass ornaments all on display.
The terrific cast are manipulated patronised and bullied by Jill Halfpenny as the proto WAG Beverly. She told me that she’s only seen clips of Alison Steadman’s original Bev, which I think has allowed her to create her own monster in a lime green party frock. Familiar lines are given a fresh spin, and it works very well.
Some black comedies are too much about the tragedy than the comedy for my tastes, but I think this one gets the balance right. Beverley’s little drinks gathering seethes with unspoken tension as she presides over her guests, always advising, never listening.
Abigail’s Party seems ready to take its place as a classic that will be revisited for many years to come, and this is a particularly successful production. Hear my interview with Jill Halfpenny below, and would you like a Gin an’ Tonic? Ice and slice? Fantastic!
This seems like a very good idea to me; ask some of the UK’s leading theatre people to choose their favourite songs and get a top West End singer to perform them. ‘These are a few of my Favourite Songs’ is a series of Sunday concerts hosted by leading critic Mark Shenton at the Soho theatre. It’s a fund raiser for the Theatrical Guild charity. Britain’s singing ambassador the composer Howard Goodall is the guest on June 17th - the super talented Emma Williams will sing for him – and musical star Kerry Ellis will sing for herself on July 8th. Click here for details and booking info.
Listen to Paul chat to Jill Halfpenny...
