Abigail's Party
Tamzin Outhwaite takes on the iconic role of Beverly in Abigail's Party, Mike Leigh's acclaimed black comedy and razor-sharp portrait of suburban Britain in the 1970s. Set in Essex in 1977, the play follows Beverly and her husband Laurence as they host an evening of drinks for their neighbours. With the wine flowing, music playing, and appearances carefully maintained, what begins as polite conversation soon unravels into a night of awkward encounters, flirtation, and simmering tensions that no one can escape.
Both hilarious and painfully revealing, this modern classic explores social class, materialism, and the fragile dynamics of marriage and friendship in 1970s England. Following a sold-out and critically acclaimed run in 2024, this revival of the Stratford East production is directed by Nadia Fall and showcases the enduring brilliance of Leigh's unforgettable comedy of manners.
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 46 reviews
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A fantastic show Very funny, fantastic acting, money well spent
Matthew, 10 Sep 2026
Decent Decent show, Tamsin Outhwaite and other actors excellent. Pacing quite slow. Could be sharper.
Nada, 08 Sep 2026
A fantastic interpretation of a beloved classic Tamsin Outhwaite was brilliant in the role of Beverley - I didn't stop laughing from start to finish! The costumes, hair and make-up were spot on, as was the set and the music that was playing when the audience arrived really set the mood.
Ailsa, 07 Sep 2026
Such fun! A great storyline superbly performed!
Lindsay, 05 Sep 2026
Colourful Loved the era, music scenery and props.
Christine, 04 Sep 2026
Raw and real. A fabulous interpretation of Abigail's Party with exceptional performances from all actors, suspense, laughter and poignancy. Don't miss it.
Christine, 02 Sep 2026
Funny A really funny show and clever script,true to the original.
David, 01 Sep 2026
Top up, Tone? Tamzin Outhwaite commanded the stage with just the right amount of subtle menace balancing Beverley's vacuity. A must for Mike Leigh fans, and anyone born in the 1970s.
Maxine, 31 Aug 2026
Woohoo Sue 🥂 Brilliant show. Actors were truly amazing from start to finish . We actually belly laughed so much ,music fantastic.Very reminiscent of the original.Would definitely recommend.
Debby, 28 Aug 2026
Solid Lightweight Entertainment For those of us who remember the original Play For Today it is a lovely trip down memory lane and Tamsin Outhwaite commands the centre stage with all of the wit and panache of a seasoned professional. A bit heavy on the slapstick towards the end and I would have preferred to see more of the simmering tension between husband and wife handled with a greater degree of subtlety which would have served to emphasise the dramatic ending with more impact.
Richard, 28 Aug 2026
Relatively funny Abigail’s Party was good and relatively funny, although I wouldn’t say it was laugh-out-loud hilarious. I felt the characters could have exaggerated their personalities a little more to make the comedy stronger. For example, Beverly could have been more openly flirtatious from the very beginning, while Angela could have been portrayed as more of a submissive wife and Tony as more controlling.
I also think the contrast between Beverly and Laurence could have been made more obvious. For instance, Laurence could have spoken and behaved in a more distinctly “posh” manner, which would have heightened the difference between the two characters.
I’m also not entirely sure why Abigail’s party itself was so central to the play, as Abigail never actually appeared. Overall, I felt that the play lacked a certain depth and could have pushed the characters and their relationships further.
Meritha, 26 Aug 2026
Funny but very thoughtful regard to relationships Excellent display of non compatible couples
Janis, 23 Aug 2026
Absolutely brilliant. As good as the original, 2nd time in a few weeks and would go again if I had the time.
Michael, 23 Aug 2026
1970’s revisited Fantastic acting by all the cast, takes you back to 1977 and nicer times. Very authentic set and costumes. Would recommend it to anyone
Karen, 23 Aug 2026
Wonderful a triumph!! I absolutely loved it !!
The whole cast was amazing Tamzin was incredible
as Beverly picking up and making the part her own,
not a homage , incredible acting!!
The set was bang on , I loved it and would highly recommended anyone to go and see it !!
Five stars 🤩 👏👏
Timothy, 19 Aug 2026
As relevant as ever Wonderful reprise of one of the great pieces of 1960-70 theatre
Kerry, 19 Aug 2026
Tamzin’s performance is A star! Tamzin’s performance was exceptional! All the cast were brilliant. The music was great, the story was fab and the theatre is sweet and staff are so friendly! Had a great view from the stalls.
Marie, 16 Aug 2026
Amazing! Saw this play yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. The acting was phenomenal and drew you into Beverley’s world. What a treat!
Karen, 16 Aug 2026
absolutely fantastic After seeing the original play, we was wondering if could match it. It was just as good. The whole cast was amazing, Tamsin Outhwait was amazing.
Jenny, 12 Aug 2026
Absolutely superb performance I highly recommend everyone sees this show. Tamzin Outhwaite was superb as Beverley. The whole cast were amazing.
Juliet, 12 Aug 2026
There are better plays that need reviving, outdated I love Mike Leigh , this play was important at the time, but not anymore
Orna, 12 Aug 2026
Abigail’s Party It was my first time at the Theatre Royal , Stratford and I was charmed straight away by the size, decor and period features. I had seen the play before back in the seventies with Alison Steadman so it was a hard act to follow. I needn’t have worried though as Beverley was depicted brilliantly- a very funny play, full of sexual tension. I LOVED it!
Susan, 11 Oct 2024
Be prepared to cringe, to laugh and to be embarrassed. All four characters are just so good. Facial expression, the lot. Enjoyed every minute.
Susan, 03 Oct 2024
