Hollyoak’s Harvey Virdi is to star in a new production of the classic satire 'Abigail’s Party' at the Watford Palace Theatre.

Set against the backdrop of an evolving Britain of the 70s, this fresh production shows the classic Mike Leigh satire in a new light. Performed in traverse with intimate on-stage seating offering audience the chance to join Beverly and Laurence’s soireé, bringing them closer to the experience.

Abigail’s Party stars Harvey Virdi (below) as Beverly, the role famously originated by Alison Steadman, and is directed by Pravesh Kumar.

Welcome to 1970s suburbia and its heady mix of free-flowing drinks, classic disco and cheese and  pineapple sticks. Aspirational Beverly and her estate agent husband Laurence are hosting drinks for their newlywed neighbours. 

They are joined by a very anxious Susan, who has been banished from her daughter Abigail’s party. As the evening goes on, marital tensions rise and tempers flare as the characters’ true natures are hilariously but ruthlessly exposed.

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Harvey Virdi leads the cast as Beverly. Harvey is best known as series regular Dr Misbah Maalik in Hollyoaks, Mrs Malik in Citizen Khan and Teetu’s Mum in Bend It Like Beckham. 

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Pravesh Kumar (above), Artistic Director of Rifco Theatre Company said, ‘I’m thrilled to be directing one of my favourite plays by Mike Leigh. I wanted to bring a freshness to it by casting Harvey Virdi as Beverly and open the play to whole new audience that may not have seen it. I’m really excited to be bringing this production to the Watford Palace Theatre in traverse, with intimate on-stage seating so that our audiences can get a feel part of the party mayhem.’

Abigail’s Party is a play for stage and television, devised and directed by Mike Leigh in 1977. 

Details

29 April – 23 May 2020
Performances 7.30pm, matinees Weds and Sat 2.30pm
Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ
£17-£34.50 (£15-£25.50 concessions), previews all tickets £17, on stage seating from £24

Special performances:
Q&A: Thu 14 May, 7.30pm & Wed 20 May, 2.30pm Captioned: Thurs 21 May, 7.30pm
Audio Described: Sat 23 May, 2.30pm

Approx Running Time: 120 mins (inc one interval) | Suitable for ages 14+

For tickets see: watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or call 01923 225671.