Abigail's Party
By Mike Leigh · The Tower Theatre, Folkestone
| Abigail's Party | |
.jpg) Abigail's Party promotional image | |
| Production Details | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 9–11 November 2023 |
| Venue | The Tower Theatre |
| Director | Alex Ezrati |
| Writer | Mike Leigh |
| Producer | Natalie Holness |
| Amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. | |
The Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society presented Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh on 9th–11th November 2023 at The Tower Theatre, Folkestone. An amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.
Foreword
Hi! It's my privilege to welcome you all, both first-timers and returning supporters, to The Tower Theatre, for another fun-filled FHODS production. I've been a member of FHODS for a few years now, and am excited to present this production of Abigail's Party, my directorial debut with the society, and a play that I think is as wonderful as it is wacky.
I've loved the works of Mike Leigh since I was old enough to appreciate theatre and film, and Abigail's Party is my favourite. While primarily a comedy that runs the gamut from acerbic and dry to outright farcical, it also spotlights more serious social and domestic issues in a way that is even more topical today than in the 70s, when the play was written.
Whilst unequivocally 70s in its aesthetic, the play is timeless in its portrayal of relationships and typical household drama. The action takes place in the late seventies in 'the London side of Essex'. Beverly Moss, former beautician and utter narcissist, invites her new neighbours, Angela and Tony, over for drinks. She has also invited her neighbour Susan, a quiet divorcée, whose teenage daughter Abigail is holding her own party at home. Mike Leigh's brand of naturalistic 'cringe comedy' inspired and informed later British comedy television like The Office and The Inbetweeners. The two couples spend more time point-scoring than showing affection, and the house party's slow-burn deterioration into angst and awfulness is tragic yet hilarious.
I was keen to direct a high-energy, small-cast production and am honestly hugely proud of the work that my actors have done in bringing this off-kilter comedy to life. I have had an absolute blast directing the show, and I sincerely hope that you love watching it as much as we've loved putting it on for you! A huge and heartfelt thanks goes out to all the cast, crew and front of house staff who have made this production possible. I hope you enjoy Abigail's Party.
- Alex Ezrati, Director
Cast
Production Team
Direction & Production
- Director – Alex Ezrati
ProducerDesign & Technical
- Set Design – Robert Emptage
Set ConstructionMedia & Marketing
- Graphics / Media – Malcolm Laye
FHODS Marketing