Abigail’s Party

We were delighted to spot a production of Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party at The Royal Exchange in Manchester. We were delighted on two counts. Firstly, we both love Abigail's Party, and secondly we love watching plays at the Royal Exchange. It's a wonderful theatre and it has gone through a difficult few years. The theatre in the round format lends an intimacy to all forms of theatre.

Kym Marsh played Beverley, the domineering hostess. She totally made the part her own. We wondered if she would channel Alison Steadman, who played the role in the 1970s. But she didn't. Marsh's Beverley was brilliant, swaying gently round the stage, forcing gin and nibbles onto her guests and menacing her husband, Laurence, played convincingly by Graeme Hawley.

The set was fantastic, everything perfecty referenced the 1970s, from the sofas to the cushions, the soda siphon and record player. Everything was pitch perfect. Ever member of the small cast of six played their part to perfection.

There was just so much to love about this performance; it worked so well in the Royal Exchange Theatre. The set was so tight, it added to the claustrophobic feeling of the play. Combined with the rotating stage and the haze created from the stage cigarettes, the whole performance felt somewhat woozy!

We had such a fabulous few hours. I could almost go back and watch the play again. It's great to have the Royal Exchange back on form.