FOLLOWING a triumphant West End season, Mike Leigh’s classic comedy Abigail’s Party, starring Hannah Waterman, is coming to Malvern Theatres this month.

Beverly and her estate agent husband Laurence have invited round new neighbours Tony and Ange and nervous divorcee Sue, twitchy about the party her 15-year-old daughter, Abigail, is throwing over the road.

As Beverly plies the guests with alcohol, cigarettes, Demis Roussos and nibbles, the evening descends into drunkenness and debauchery and comedy, drama and tragedy combine into an iconic piece of theatre.

Directed by Lindsay Posner, Abigail’s Party became an instant classic when it first appeared as a BBC Play For Today in 1977, the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

Hannah is best known for her role as Laura Beale in EastEnders and since her departure from the show has performed in theatre productions both in the West End and on tour, including Carrie’s War, Rattle of a Simple Man, The Vagina Monologues and Calendar Girls.

The production also stars Martin Marquez, soon to be seen in the upcoming film version of Les Misérables, Samuel James, Katie Lightfoot and Emily Raymond.

Abigail’s Party runs at Malvern Theatres from Tuesday to Saturday, January 15 to 19.

For tickets, call 01684 892 277 or visit malverntheatres.

co.uk.