Abigail's Party (BBC) (DVD)

When choosing what film to watch from my DVD rental subscription, I came across ABIGAIL'S PARTY. To be honest, I wasn't very interested, I thought it looked boring and quite frankly didn't care less about what happened at Abigail's bash! But, my partner went ahead and ordered it, thinking it was good to try out some of the old 'classics'. I decided at first not to watch... WHAT A MISTAKE! ...I ended up sitting down to it (I think the other option was the washing up) and I was utterly swept away with this film. Director, Mike Leigh (Vera Drake, Topsy-Turvy) has a little gem in his collection here. The film was devised by himself and the ...  Read the complete review

"Abigail's Party" is one of those television moments which has become almost iconic in its status. It is one of the most quoted dramas amongst my friends and family and has become a bonding agent when I have met new people I have subsequently learned to be fans. The entire action takes place in the living room of Lawrence and Beverley's semi in the heart of suburbia. As the play opens, Beverley is putting on some music and pouring herself a gin and tonic to get herself in the party mood. Lawrence has just arrived home from work; he is stressed and tired but Beverley won't let him rest. They're having friends round for drinks and Lawrence needs to go ...  Read the complete review

Adapted from Mike Leigh's 1977 stage play, Abigail's Party was shown later in 1977 on our TV screens as a "Play For Today" offering. Cast: Beverly (Alison Steadman) Laurence (Tim Stern) Angela (Janine Duvitski) Tony (John Salthouse) Sue (Harriet Reynolds) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am primarily concentrating here on the TV play of Abigail's Party, as sadly I never got the chance to see the stage version. I believe a DVD of the play was released four or five years ago, and I would imagine it is the exact replica of the 1977 TV ...  Read the complete review

Abigails Party was originally a play by Mike Leigh and is now considered a classic both as a play and as a film. To be truthful the film does not move the play into any wider scenery. All the action takes place at a party in a suburban house. The narrow confines of the house only serve to heighten the dramatic potential as there is no escape for the characters from the situation. Now I am sure many of us have been to a party at which someone behaves badly. There can be a delicious pleasure in seeing someone make a fool of themselves or make a fool of someone else. The embarrassment caused can keep you going on gossip for weeks and you learn far more about people ...  Read the complete review

"Abigail's Party" is unforgettable. There is something vaguely unpleasant about the immediate scenario when the "play" begins. Is it something to do with the now hideously tacky 70's decor, which was considered chic and tasteful back then, that sets you on edge? Is it the remarkable Beverley, who hoves into view with powerful shoulders, and dominates the room with her very presence? You're never completely sure, but the feeling never leaves you. Based on the Hampstead Theatre production, the story is a simple one. This is about a group of neighbours who have a get together one night. The party is at Beverley and ...  Read the complete review