The Menier Chocolate Factory revive Mike Leigh’s seminal 70s comedy in a star studded production.

Abigail’s Party follows Beverly and her husband Laurence as they put on a drinks party for their suburban neighbours. With an array of cheese and pineapple savoury bites, Demi Roussos on the record player and plenty of alcohol it looks set to be the perfect night. But as prejudices are unmasked and tempers flare, the evening can only end in disaster…

Jill Halfpenny leads the cast as the iconic suburban housewife, Beverley. Best known for roles in Eastenders and as the winner of 2004’s Strictly Come Dancing, she also received critical acclaim and an Olivier award for her role as Paulette in Legally Blonde at the Savoy. She’s joined in the cast by fellow Eastender Joe Absolom, Legally Blonde’s Natalie Casey, Pride And Prejudice’s Susannah Harker and Ghost Stories’ Andy Nyman.

The production is directed by one of the country’s leading directors Lindsay Posner, who comes fresh from the critical acclaim and sell-out success of Noises Off at the Old Vic.