Casting has been confirmed for the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s upcoming production of Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party, playing at the theatre from the 30th August. 

Directed by the theatre’s Artistic Director, Douglas Rintoul (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Rope, The Crucible), Abigail’s Party is Mike Leigh’s comedy that brings to life the social climbing suburbia.

Beverly and husband Laurence are entertaining their newlywed neighbours. Joining them is twitchy divorcee Sue, banished from the party of her teenage daughter. Over a stack of cheesy-pineapple sticks, small talk and splashes of alcohol, the appalling host’s soiree soon descends into chaos.

Casting for the production includes Melanie Gutteridge (The Bill, Not Going Out) as Beverly,  Liam Bergin (Blood Wedding, Royal and Derngate Northampton) as Tony, Amy Downham(Common, National Theatre) as Angela, Susie Emmett (Lark Rise to Candleford, Finborough Theatre) as Susan andChristopher Staines (Hamlet, National Theatre) as Laurence.

The production will feature set and costume design by Lee Newby (James Graham’s Labour of Love, Noel Coward Theatre), lighting design by Zoe Spurr and sound design by Ivan Stott.

Abigail’s Party will play at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from the 30th August until the 22nd September. For more information visit: https://www.queens-theatre.co.uk/whats-on/show/abigails-party/.