THEATRE REVIEWS

A lot of people will go to parties like this not knowing that they are looking at themselves making a social comment on today's manners and aspirations. You may even be unfortunate enough to sit behind a learner at the theatre, someone who swills drink from a can, eats continuously, squirms in their seat so that those behind cannot see the stage, and finishes up texting during the performance, as you see them physically grow in size in front of you — you can never be that unlucky can you, maybe you can. Anyway do not let it spoil your enjoyment at the theatre.

If you have left your children at home awaiting the arrival of their friends, do not worry, no harm will come of your property and their friends are so responsible and reliable. Just go out and enjoy a quiet evening with your friends. Go to someone like Beverly, she knows how to behave and rise up to an occasion, after all she has the breeding, well that does not really come into it. She knows how to treat her husband Laurence, a local estate agent. The unfortunate person who has left her house to her daughter Abigail is Sue, divorced and normal. Add Angela, a local nurse and her ex-footballer husband Tony and you have the start of a really nice night of conversation and refreshments. However, not with Beverly, played by Sara Poyzer, who is that mix of hostess that you hope you never come across and she is so different from her husband Laurence, played by Andonis Anthony, who tries to live a normal life, but fails miserably. Sue, played by Beatrice Comins, seems to be the only normal person there. Angela, played by Helen Goldwyn, is anything but normal beyond her professional competence and how Tony, played by John Kirk, came to marry her is a mystery, as with many people seen from outside their relationship. Who can fault the actors portrayal of their characters, they all did a first rate job.

A superb set has been designed by Emma Donovan, which should be copied in layout as its triangle affords a clear view of the stage from all angles and this is without saying anything about the smart appearance of the stage. The playwright Mike Leigh gives you a play you know that you have experienced before when it deals with behaviour in the seventies, which appears to have become worse as time has moved on. This is the sort of mix that a director lives for and Marcus Romer seized the opportunity and made the most of it.

It pricked a few consciences in the audience and quietened them down in places, but the laughs did punctuate the evening's entertainment. Pity it did not get through to everyone. If you are up for having your conscience pricked then a trip to this production is for you. If you have difficulty walking, beware, there are no hand rails to assist you to and from your seat, but that should not unduly spoil your evening at the theatre. © BA

“Abigail's Party” is at York from the 8th to the 23rd, 2005 and then touring. This is a No Smoking theatre. Council car parking charge £2 visitor and £1 resident from 6pm until Midnight.