Abigail's Party
Devised by Mike Leigh

Presented by ~ Unit One Theatre Co. 

Beverley is busy preparing to entertain - and impress - two newcomers to the neighbourhood. Laurence is just busy. Too busy being an estate agent in fact to remember to pick up the lagers - though the olives have been ready for ages.

Tony works with computers. Angela is a nurse at St Mary's. They've just moved into number 16 - the Macdonalds' old house - and are anxious to meet their new neighbours. At least, Angela is. They are feeling happy because they managed to get the price of the house down by £1,000 and they've just given up smoking.

Sue lives at Number 9. Divorced; one daughter, Abigail, 15 years old. Abigail wants a party, which is why Sue is spending the evening at Beverley and Laurence's. Her relaxing evening isn't though, as she worries about what's happening at the party.

First performed at The Hampstead Theatre, London in 1977, Mike Leigh's play, which evolved entirely through improvisation by the original cast, explores what happens to these five characters during the eventful spring evening that Abigail has her party.