Full casting has been announced for the Menier Chocolate Factory’s forthcoming comedy Abigail’s Party, with Andy Nyman, Natalie Casey, Joe Absolom and Susannah Harker joining Jill Halfpenny in the Mike Leigh classic.
Abigail’s Party, which will open on 8 March (previews from 2 March), centres on Beverly (Halfpenny) and her husband Laurence (Nyman) who are hosting a drinks party for their neighbours. There is plenty of alcohol, an array of cheese-pineapple savoury bites, olives and Demis Roussos on the record player. But as prejudices are unmasked and tempers flare, the evening can only end in disaster…
Nyman returns to the London Bridge venue after his recent appearance in Saul Rubinek’s Terrible Advice. The Ghost Stories creator also boasts credits include Moonlight And Magnolias at the Tricycle theatre and Lust at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, but Nyman is perhaps best known for his work with magician Derren Brown, co-creating and writing the illusionist’s stage and screen shows.
Casey (Angela) also returns to the venue following 2010’s The Invisible Man. The actress, who first found success on television programmes Hollyoaks and Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, is currently starring in Legally Blonde The Musical as Pauline, the role that Halfpenny originated in the Olivier Award-winning and soon-to-close musical.
EastEnder’s actor Absolom will make his stage debut in the comedy as Tony. Best known for his long-running role as Matthew Rose in the BBC soap, the actor has also appeared in Doc Martin, Ashes To Ashes and New Tricks.
Pride And Prejudice actress Harker will return to the stage after appearing in last year’s Little Platoons at the Bush theatre. The BAFTA-nominated actress is best known for her screen work which includes House Of Cards, Young James Herriot and Perfect Parents.
Abigail’s Party follows the Menier Chocolate Factory’s current production of Stephen Schwartz’s musical Pippin, which will end its run on 25 February.
CM