NEXT PRODUCTION
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27th–30th November 2019
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We are pleased to confirm our next show is "Abigail's Party" – a play for stage and television devised and directed in 1977 by Mike Leigh. It is a suburban situation comedy of manners, and a satire on the aspirations and tastes of the new middle class that emerged in Britain in the 1970s.
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If you remember cheese & pineapple served on a cocktail stick, flared trousers and feather-cut hairstyles, orange and brown swirly décor and houses costing £21,000 then “Abigail’s Party” will be a trip down Memory Lane for you! A funny, nostalgia-filled snapshot of married life in the 1970’s, this suburban situation comedy of manners by Mike Leigh is a satire on the aspirations and tastes of the new middle class that emerged in Britain at this time.
Director Gareth Hammond says “I have always wanted to put on this play. It had such a powerful effect on me when I saw it in the 1970’s. As the original cringe comedy, it still resonates today with its recognisable characters and their bourgeois attitudes.”
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The terrain is "the London side of Essex", "theoretical Romford" according to Leigh. Beverly Moss invites her new neighbours, Angela and Tony, who moved into the road just two weeks ago, over for drinks. She has also invited her neighbour Susan (Sue), divorced for three years, whose fifteen-year-old daughter Abigail is holding a party at home. Beverly's husband Laurence comes home late from work, just before the guests arrive. The gathering starts off in a stiff, insensitive, British middle-class way as the virtual strangers tentatively gather, until Beverly and Laurence start sniping at each other. As Beverly serves more drinks and the alcohol takes effect, Beverly flirts more and more overtly with Tony, as Laurence sits impotently by.
Within this simple framework, all of the obsessions, prejudices, fears and petty competitiveness of the protagonists are ruthlessly exposed.
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Interviewed in 2009, writer Leigh said: "Of course I recognise the enduring popularity of "Abigail's Party". It still hits a nerve about the way we live. It's real even though it's apparently a heightened and comic play. It's a reflection of the realities of how we live on a several different levels. It's about aspirationalism and materialism, love and relationships. Like much of my work, it's about the disease I call "the done thing" – basically, keeping up with the Joneses. It's actually quite a complex play. People may not analyse its complexity but it's so popular precisely for that reason."
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CAST
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Beverley Moss – Claire Crowther
Laurence Moss – Nick Smith
Angela Cooper – Elaine Leggett
Tony Cooper – Ianto Wain
Susan Lawson – Mary Fisher
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Director – Gareth Hammond
Producer – Denise Santilli
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SUPPER NIGHT
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As usual, we are partnering with a local Charity for our Supper Show, Eynsham Pre-School, an Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” Pre-school, caring for and educating children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old.
They will assist us in organising the evening in return for a share of the profits. We look forward to seeing you!
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MENU
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Jacket Potatoes served with chilli*, fresh salad and dressing
Chocolate sponge served with chocolate sauce
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* vegetarian option available, please request at time of booking
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Tickets for FRIDAY 29th Nov – must be purhased in advance by 24th Nov
Doors open: 6.10pm
2-course supper served: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Performance: 7.30pm
Advance Tickets only: £20.00
Available in advance from:
Denise Santilli 07721 744020
bart.players@gmail.com (not available online)
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