Festival Theatre, Malvern -until 20th June 2026
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
4****
Like most people, I knew Abigail’s Party from the TV version starring Alison Steadman. With such an iconic template, I had high expectations.
Set (and costume) designer Peter McKintosh did a fab job immersing us immediately into the decade that hid behind the sofa of style, evoking that bygone age (and psyches) of our hosts for the evening with a revolting concoction that looked like the inside of a Terry’s Chocolate Orange (or my dear old mum’s kitchen from that era).
Tamzin Outhwaite gave a stylish performance as Bev, host of the party we see and cracked actress with all the surface sheen and glamour of the “thoroughly modern woman” whilst being as frail as gold leaf on the inside. Her opening dance was sensuous and mesmerising in equal measure – reminding me of Tales of the Unexpected – and setting the tone for a truly cringeworthy and fully wonderful portrayal!
Bev frequently lashes out, mostly in her husband Laurence’s direction. The marvellous Kevin Bishop gave an awe inspiring evocation, full of pent up frustration, held in check with just a little escaping through the ever widening cracks. A fine foil and balance to Bev, in a wholly believable couple’s performance a lá George & Mildred.
Guests Angela and Tony provide the perfect audience for Bev to play out her social mobility fantasies. Lauren Patel was tragic (in the best way) as Angela; being wonderfully off kilter, not least in a lack of social awareness! Omar Malik, as husband Tony, was riveting in his boredom. Less is always more with Tony and this was perfectly pitched.
The last guest, Sue, Abigail’s mum who has been ousted from her house so that her daughter can have a party, is hard put upon by life and the overpowering Bev. The mundane in the middle class crass madness. Brilliantly underplayed (and I mean that as a compliment) by Pandora Colin.
Music plays a key role throughout, setting the scene and being used as an allegory for a marriage barely holding together at the seams There was particularly brilliant use of Beethoven’s 5th, the “fate” theme, used to comi-tragic effect.
The tension, drama, pathos and tragedy of the evening unfolded in logical fashion (as far as the 70’s had any logical fashions)! Bev and Angela getting progressively more drunk was a joy to behold through finger covered eyes. This show is mostly about the women, with the men largely being the butt of the jokes, snide comments and largely unwanted (and unwarrented) sexual attention. Blokes bored and desperate to be loved in a world that only seems to value them as breadwinners and DIYers.
Something for everyone for sure; nostalgia for those who remember this car crash decade and fascination and wonderment for other (perhaps younger) viewers at the ghastly fashions, music, decor and attitudes. But from whichever angle you come at it, it’s a fabulous night out being a fly on the wall of this excruciating soirée and one that I would once again recommend to everyone. Great! Now, I just need to dig in the back of the drinks cabinet for the bottles of Advocaat and Babycham and we can toast all involved…