Cheese and pineapple sticks at the ready: Abigail’s Party is heading back to the stage, and it’s arriving in Leicester with a seriously starry cast.
Tamzin Outhwaite takes on the role of Beverly – one of British theatre’s most deliciously unbearable hosts – in Mike Leigh’s biting 1970s satire, which runs at Curve from July 13–18, 2026. Expect flowing drinks, passive-aggressive small talk and an evening that spirals spectacularly out of control.
Outhwaite, best known for TV hits including EastEnders, Hotel Babylon and New Tricks, leads a revival of Nadia Fall’s hit Stratford East production, which sold out during its 2024 run. On stage, she’s joined by comedian and actor Kevin Bishop (The Kevin Bishop Show, Porridge) as irritable husband Laurence.
Pandora Colin (Chernobyl, Andor) plays anxious neighbour Sue, while Omar Malik and Lauren Patel round out the cast as Tony and Angela – the unfortunate guests pulled into Beverly’s increasingly awkward soirée.
Set in Essex in 1977, the play follows a seemingly innocent drinks night that quickly unravels into a cringe-inducing mix of flirtation, tension and simmering resentment – all soundtracked by Demis Roussos. Meanwhile, offstage, teenage Abigail’s party rages on, adding to the chaos.
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Written by Mike Leigh and originally developed through improvisation, Abigail’s Party premiered in 1977 before becoming a cult classic via the BBC’s Play for Today. Nearly 50 years on, its savage take on suburban manners still hits home.
Direction comes from Young Vic artistic director Nadia Fall, with a top-tier creative team bringing the retro setting to life.
Abigail’s Party runs at Curve, Leicester, from Mon Jul 13 to Sat Jul 18, 2026. Tickets are on sale now via curveonline.co.uk.
