Show Name: Abigail Party
Directors: Jonathon Peters, Fiona McCarthy
Writer: Mike Leigh
Starring: Sarah Anne Brown, Jonathon Wyre, HayleyStockwell Davis, Philip Rogers, Angela Davis
East Essex Players invite you to dive into the prickly world of Mike Leigh`s ‘Abigail’s Party’, where a suburban shindig spirals into hilarity and havoc. Beverley’s garish lounge, filled with dubious snacks and clashing personalities, hums with nervous laughter and veiled jabs. Rediscover Demis Roussos and cheese and pineapple sticks and get ready for a night of 70’s satire that’s as uncomfortable as it is unforgettable.
In a new interview onBlazing Minds, ahead of the limited run of the East Essex Players’ amateur production ofAbigail’s Party, I had the chance to ask actress Angela Davis a few questions about her role as Susan.
Q. You are playingSusanin a new production ofAbigail Party at the Dixons Studio in Southend. What can audiences expect from the show?
A.Awkward pauses, bottom-clenching dialogue (Susan would never say ‘bum’!) and an awful lot of drinking!
Q. Can you tell us a little about your character, and what it was that first drew you to the role?
A.Susan is a throwback to a previous era, definitely a fish out of water in Beverley’s house, but way too polite to say anything too controversial – and she can sense that Beverley would pounce on her if she did. I liked the idea of playing someone so uptight and controlled in a very different scenario to one she was used to.
Q. Your character remains socially uncomfortable throughout the play and seems unable, or perhaps too timid, to leave. Do you see any elements of your own personality reflected in them?
A.There have been many occasions in social situations where I have longed to head for the hills….but my good manners (or fear!) have prevented me.
Q. Have you found any of the scenes challenging to perform?
A. I found the constant eating of cheese and pineapple very enjoyable, at first. That and juggling endless drinks and party snacks soon became a little wearing.
Q. Whilst rehearsing, did the way you portray your character change from how you originally intended?
A.On reading through the script I realised there was much more to Susan than just awkwardness and inbred good manners. She doesn’t have a job outside the home, but that was the norm in upper middle class families in the 70s; she’s obviously well educated and considers herself forward thinking. Discrimination in society was only beginning to become an issue and was obvious more to the lower and lower middle classes, less so in upper and upper middle classes. I believe she really doesn’t see or worry about the obvious demographic changes in her town. I can also see she has a difficult relationship with Abigail and really doesn’t know how to handle a modern teenager – and she’s keen to keep Jeremy a little boy as long as she can!
Q. What have been some of your favourite moments whilst preparing for the play?
A. Researching an era I grew up in and remembering just how awful – and great – it was.
Q. Whilst the play reflects 1970s Britain, do you thinksome ofits themes are still relevant today?
A.There are many parallels with today’s society, mainly to do with discrimination, poverty, unemployment and attitudes to sex. I do think women in particular have come a very long way; I don’t think us women realise just how far. Unfortunately, the traditional male roles have suffered somewhat and I think men are finding it difficult to see exactly what society expects of them. Sometimes with dire consequences!
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the play?
A.That cheesy pineapples are great! I get to eat lots of them, not to mention crisps, snacks and, of course, olives!! I hope the audiences laugh and cringe in all the right places and think, there but for the grace of God….Oh, and smoking kills!
Q. What makes this production ofAbigail’s Partystand out from others?
A.We’ve really developed back stories to the characters, making them fully rounded people rather than just farcical stereotypes. Knowing who you are makes for a more natural and nuanced performance.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A.Not yet – but there’s always an eye out for future productions with EEP – never a dull moment and always a huge variety of plays to be tackled.
Q. If someone was looking to get into acting what advice would you give them?
A.Just do it. You have no idea what you’re capable of until you try. Don’t be put off because you aren’t given the role you want – there’s usually a good reason for that – but absolutely make the one you’ve been given the best you can. EVERYONE in the cast is important and every role contributes to the whole. Basically though, do it for the love of doing it and it will show!
Abigail’s Party will run at the Dixon Studio – At the Palace Theatre – Southend from Wednesday 8th July to Saturday 11th July 2026.
You can purchase tickets for Abigail’s Party on the Website or by contacting the box office on Tel. 0343 310 0030
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!