LondonNet News Headlines
| 08/08/02 |
| Cult Classic for West End
- Abigail's Party is still on THE HAMPSTEAD theatre's revival of Mike Leigh's classic transfers to the West End this December. Prior to transfer the show extends its sell out run by six weeks and continues at the Hampstead until November 9. Abigail's Party was chosen to mark the theatre's 25th birthday because the show was originally devised for a Hampstead premiere in 1977. The current hit marks the final production in Hampstead's current temporary building before the theatre decamps to its new UKP15.6 million home around the corner. In this anniversary production Elizabeth Berrington replaces Alison Steadman as the excruciating Beverly whose prissy drinks party takes place next door to teenage Abigail's full scale celebration. Berrington's roles in Leigh's films prepare her for the part originated by Leigh's wife, and this set-text critique of the nouveau riche promises entertainment as well as education. School kids had better hurry to Hampstead before West End prices set in. |
