It's a measure of the sheer brilliance of Mike Leigh's famous devised drama Abigail's Party that even 30 years on from its first performance, it still seems like a harsh and timely indictment of the underlying brutalism of affluent British society; so much so that, last weekend, BBC2 attempted a contemporary update of Leigh's party-from-hell idea, featuring the magnificent star of the original Abigail's Party, Alison Steadman. A record sixteen million people watched its original broadcast as Play for Today, underlining its status as a true modern classic and national treasure. It was 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. . In her suburban living room Beverly prepares for the arrival of her guests. She and husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Sue. As the alcohol flows and the 'nibbles' are handed around, Mike Leigh's ruthless, achingly funny examination of suburban life begins to bite... London Classic Theatre is one of the most prolific and thriving touring companies on the UK theatre scene, having established a reputation for producing entertaining, accessible drama of the highest quality, they will be at the Wyeside Builth Wells on Tue 20 November 7.30pm, tickets cost £8 in advance £10 on the day £5 18s and under. You can now book online at www.wyeside.co.uk or call on 01982 552555 (12 noon – 4pm/5.30pm - 9pm Tuesday – Friday; 5.30pm – 9pm Saturday & 5pm – 8pm Sunday). |
| wyeside arts centre web site: www.wyeside.co.uk |
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Thursday, November 1, 2007 |
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