Why actress loves to play 'the less monstrous side' of Abigail's Party hostess
Abigail’s Party brings a classic snapshot of 70s suburban life to the stage in Mike Leigh’s cult play which became a TV Play For Today in 1977 – and ended up being watched by 16 million viewers.
Now it is back on stage in the latest of many revivals in a tour by London Classic Theatre which comes to Eden Court with actress Rebecca Birch playing the hostess with the mostest, the over-the-top Beverly.
In the original stage play, top actress Alison Steadman took the role, and again for the play filmed for TV, this time heavily pregnant in a flowing evening dress with her and partner Mike Leigh’s son. The story is that the night the 16 million watched it, a nationwide storm kept viewers at home, a strike had blacked out ITV and, as Mike Leigh puts it writing about it all later, “something esoteric” was on the third channel BBC2!
Rebecca talks here about playing one of the big roles of the 20th century stage.
Q For anyone who doesn’t know the story, talk us through what happens in Abigail’s Party.
A It is a tragi-comedy focusing on class, relationships, gender roles and ‘doing the done thing’. The play takes place over one evening at Beverly and Laurence’s house. They’ve invited some neighbours round for drinks and nibbles and a cringe-inducing clash of subjects including politics, music and snack preference ensues. Without giving too much away, the night doesn’t end how the audience (or the characters) might think.
Q What attracted you to playing Beverly?
A I really, really laughed when I read the script. It’s obviously an iconic role to play and I just love her complexity and how she hides her vulnerability under nice dresses and the latest sofa. I’m so excited to be playing her.
Q What is it about the play that has won it so many fans over the years?
A I think British theatre hadn’t quite seen a play like this before. The fact that the original cast improvised for 10 weeks to find these people, these gorgeously real yet ridiculous characters, is a testament to what became a very relatable and uncomfortable-at-times play. I think the reason it still has its following is because it stands the test of time and remains relevant. People think how they think, and they do what they do. And isn’t that fascinating?
Q Having worked with the director Michael Cabot for this production before, what were you looking forward to about rehearsing for it?
A London Classic Theatre has a wonderful rehearsal room, the schedule is meticulously planned, and you really feel like you’re in safe hands on tour. Michael Cabot is a real actor’s director. He allows you the space in the room to find the character for yourself and to find the play as a group. He doesn’t smother your process or over-note you and that helps us as actors to really trust ourselves.
Q What do you want the audience to get out of your performance?
A I would like to try and show the less monstrous side to Beverly. Whilst she’s biting and bossy, not afraid of confrontation and incredibly insistent, I believe she’s deeply unhappy and hiding that even from herself. I would like the audience to see her side. And laugh. I hope they laugh.
Q Why should someone come and see Abigail’s Party?
A I would love people to come and sit in our living room with us. Come on this journey on this one night and let us entertain you, make you laugh, but also make you think. Do you hold others to account based on their class? Do you love freely and unapologetically? Do you like olives? Escape from your every day by coming into ours.
n Abigail’s Party is at Eden Court Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. TICKETS:
