A NEW adaptation of Mike Leigh’s classic Abigail’s Party is coming to the Theatre Royal at the beginning of March.

It is 1977, the year of skin-tight polyester, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and Saturday Night Fever. The Sex Pistols were storming up the charts, skateboarding was the latest craze and Angela Rippon danced with Morecambe & Wise.

In her suburban living room, Beverly prepares for the arrival of her guests. She and her husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Susan. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 1970’s British life begins…

The play is being brought to the Theatre Royal by London Classic Theatre, and stars Rebecca Birch as Beverley, Jo Castleton as Susan, Alice De-Warrenne as Angela, George Readshaw as Tony, and Tom Richardson as Laurence. The show is directed by Michael Cabot, the founder and artistic director of London Classic Theatre.

Rebecca Birch explained the play as being: “a tragi-comedy focusing on class, relationships, gender roles and ‘doing the done thing’. The play takes place over one evening at Beverly and Laurence’s house. They’ve invited some neighbours round for drinks and nibbles and a cringe-inducing clash of subjects including politics, music and snack preference ensues. Without giving too much away, the night doesn’t end how the audience (or the characters) might think.”

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She continued: “I think British theatre hadn’t quite seen a play like this before.

“The fact that the original cast improvised for ten weeks to find these people, these gorgeously real yet ridiculous characters, is a testament to what became a very relatable and uncomfortable-at-times play. I think the reason it still has its following is because it stands the test of time and remains relevant. People think how they think, and they do what they do. And isn’t that fascinating?”

When asked why people should come and see the play, Rebecca added: “I would love people to come and sit in our living room with us.

“Come on this journey on this one night and let us entertain you, make you laugh but also make you think. Do you hold others to account based on their class? Do you love freely and unapologetically? Do you like olives?

“Escape from your every day by coming into ours.”

Abigail’s Party will be at the Theatre Royal Winchester from Wednesday, March 1 to Saturday, March 4, with performances at various times.

For more information or to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.