Abigail's Party

This is a suburban situation comedy of manners, and satire on the aspirations and tastes of the ‘new’ middle class that emerged in Britain in the 1970’s. Set in – the London – side of Essex (theoretical Romford) Beverley Moss invites her new neighbours, Angela and Tony, over for drinks. They moved into the road just two weeks ago. She has also invited her neighbour Susan (Sue), a divorcee of three years, whose fifteen-year-old daughter Abigail is also holding a party back at their home. Beverley’s husband Laurence is typically late home from work, in fact only just before the guests arrive and the ‘gathering’ starts off in a stiff fashion as the virtual strangers tentatively get to know each other. As the hostess with the ‘mostess’ Beverley endeavours to keep the drinks flowing and the alcohol takes effect on the evening. Sniping, flirting, naivety and too much stress is a cocktail for disaster as the play concludes.