Abigail's Party - Stratford East

[aloysius]

This production is an absolute treat. Tamzin Outhwaite is total class (in a role that requires, well, not a huge amount of it) - but the whole cast absolutely rocks. They work so well together, each brings superb comic timing and some delicate little touches. Tony is now a Pakistani Brit and the update works incredibly well, with a few minor tweaks to the script.

I'm not sure if this is Nadia Fall's swansong before heading to the Young Vic or not but it's a brilliant illustration of how to preserve the best elements of a classic (even the bits that have truly dated) while bringing it to a new audience. Especially loved the preludes to each act. And the set!

Anyway, enough gushing. Highly recommended - especially with the Stratford ticket prices.

[aspieandy]

I don't go over there much now but I did book this when I saw Tamzin was on board; it's surely a role made for her .. good to hear it's rocking.

I like to poke around when schlepping across town so this will fit in nicely with the whole East Bank thing which is finally ready to open, as well:

www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/east-bank


In facto, Sadlers Wells new venue is literally opening tomorrow:

www.sadlerswells.com/your-visit/sadlers-wells-east/welcome-to-sadlers-wells-east/

Journey-wise, key thing to know is the tube is a pain but it's 10-minutes direct by train from Kings Cross, or ye olde Elizabeht Line isn't that shabby.

[jek]

aspieandy I live in Stratford and would encourage people to visit this part of London. Just to point out that Sadler's Wells isn't actually opening tomorrow but rather making an announcement about when it is to open. But still plenty to see here. I'd highly recommend a walk around the London College of Fashion (lower floors are open to the public) and also UCL Marshgate which similarly has public access, and a cafe where your order is delivered by a robot!

[Marwood]

I’m seeing this next month (£22 for a front row seat): Stratford isn’t difficult for me to get to, a few stops from London Bridge on the tube.

[Jon]

I'm looking into booking to see it, might make a day of going to TRSE for the first time then popping into Westfield Stratford City.

[ruthieh]

Loved this last night! Tamsin Outhwaite was a fantastic Beverly!

[matty]

Really enjoyed this tonight. Tamzin Outhwaite was fantastic, but the whole cast just had it nailed. Great chemistry between them all. Good response from the audience throughout.

I also love how cheap this theatre is. I was in the end seat of Row C of the stalls and paid a tenner for it. Absolutely great night out.

[partytentdown]

Also really enjoyed this! No radical interpretation but the play doesn't need it, just great performances. Couldn't take my eyes off Sue and her facial expressions as she's forced to endure the increasing chaos.

[jr]

Saw it last Wednesday evening.

I liked everything: text, acting, set, directing. Definitely worthy. I got the DVD of the original years ago and haven't watched it yet. Guess it is time to do it now.

[jampot]

Saw the Thurs matinee ..brilliant!

[Marwood]

Saw this yesterday and enjoyed it:going in, I was a bit concerned about the warning of a racial slur as I couldn’t recall anything remotely along those lines in the versions of this I’ve seen before, it seemed there had been a slight rewrite to try and make it more relevant and reflect the casting of those playing Tony and Angela but I thought that was unnecessary (I’m presuming Mike Leigh doesn’t care about rewrites of this but reading an interview with him about the original, it’s not the piece of work he’s proudest of)

Otherwise a solid production, although there was a lot of whooping at the ‘let’s gets pissed!’ shouts: what with the 70s music, dancing and strobe lights it’s one step away from becoming a Mamma Mia type of show (although it has one of the darkest endings going)

[SilverFox]

Oct 6, 2024 9:10:28 GMT Marwood said:

Saw this yesterday and enjoyed it:going in, I was a bit concerned about the warning of a racial slur as I couldn’t recall anything remotely along those lines in the versions of this I’ve seen before, it seemed there had been a slight rewrite to try and make it more relevant and reflect the casting of those playing Tony and Angela but I thought that was unnecessary (I’m presuming Mike Leigh doesn’t care about rewrites of this but reading an interview with him about the original, it’s not the piece of work he’s proudest of)

Otherwise a solid production, although there was a lot of whooping at the ‘let’s gets pissed!’ shouts: what with the 70s music, dancing and strobe lights it’s one step away from becoming a Mamma Mia type of show (although it has one of the darkest endings going)

I would agree with this review. Very enjoyable, solid production with an excellent cast. Sounds like I had a better behaved audience Friday a week ago, but actually a real pleasure to return to the Theatre Royal for such a good production of a well-known play.