One of Mike Leigh’s most famous creations has been reborn at the beautiful Theatre Royal Stratford East and this version of the timeless classic is a real hoot from start to finish.

‘Abigail’s Party’ needs no introduction. The original production performed at Hampstead Theatre in 1977 starred Alison Steadman and Janine Duvitski and was largely devised by the company in Director and Writer Mike Leigh’s traditional improvisational methods. The play, billed here as a tragicomedy, follows Beverly (Tamzin Outhwaite) and her husband Laurence (Kevin Bishop) hosting a party for new neighbours Tony (Omar Malik) and Angela (Ashna Rabheru), plus they’ve invited Susan (Pandora Colin) who has lived down their road for many years. With drinks flowing rather too heavily, we watch these five contradicting personalities try to enjoy a normal evening together, with disastrous consequences.

The writing is ageless and it’s the words that aren’t spoken which speak so loudly here. It’s still so apt for today and Nadia Fall’s direction keeps respectful to the original text yet so relatable to a modern audience. There’s also beautiful Set & Costume design playing homage to the seventies from Peter McKintosh and Alexandra Faye Braithwaite’s glorious sound design worked wonders with songs of the era belting out and getting you in the mood even before the curtain rose. Credit also to James Cousins’ spectacular movement sequences which start each act impeccably.

However, it’s the cast here who really shine and make this production what it is. Kevin Bishop is a strait-laced Laurence, his long-suffering marriage with Beverly showing in his every word and he puts in a beautifully natural, and at times very funny performance. Pandora Colin’s Susan is timid and sweet and Omar Malik’s Tony takes the ‘men don’t speak much’ stereotype to another level. Ashna Rabheru is a delightful Angela, full of wonder and her comedy dance moves are a real highlight. Tamzin Outhwaite is the star turn though and she gives a true tour de force of a performance. Utterly brilliant as the driving force of the piece, her Beverly is seductive, funny and everything you want her to be.

The ending of the piece maybe doesn’t resonate as much as it could but it’s hard to criticise such a joyous production.

This spirited revival is a compelling and comic night at the theatre and Nadia Fall has reinvigorated Mike Leigh’s outstanding work into an outstanding edition of their own.

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