Sumner Theatre
March 22, 2018

Abigail’s Party is a mainstay of theatre in its homeland – one might call it the UK’s Don’s Party – but it’s taken 40 years to make its way into an MTC season. Not a moment too soon, as Mike Leigh’s very 1970s yet timeless social satire is a glorious trainwreck one can’t look away from. Directed by Stephen Nicolazzo, who makes his mainstage debut, this production does it justice with a pitch-perfect cast and a set that accentuates the awkwardness of it all.

Zoe Boesen, Katherine Tonkin and Pip Edwards in MTC’s Abigail’s Party. All photos supplied 

Abigail’s Party is actually about the soirée next door, hosted by a working class couple very much on the rise. Laurence, who grasps at high culture such as Shakespeare and Van Gogh, is working himself to death in real estate. His wife, Beverly, has no taste beyond what she thinks is fashionable, spending his money on mod cons and clothes.

Their guests include new neighbours Angela and Tony, who are just starting their climb up the ladder into middle class consumption. He’s a handsome ex-footballer with little to say. She seems witless,...