Abigails Party, review by Stella Taylor, Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, June 2006

Dick Clark's superb set evoked the Seventies to perfection in the Clarendon Players' production of Abigail's Party, Mike Leigh's clever expos of social pretensions. An excellent cast, ably directed by Paula Clifford, recreated the era delightfully. The play is set in the suburban home of harassed estate agent Laurence, who was played stoically by Alec Smith, and his bored wife Beverly, portrayed with great verve by Wendy Mitchell. The cultural gulf between them was soon apparent. Beverly, resplendent in a scarlet evening dress, was determined to spice up her life with a drinks party for three neighbours. She shamelessly ogled the flares-clad Tony, a shift-working computer operator who was the monosyllabic, autocratic husband of Angela. David Gray as Tony clearly enjoyed repressing Ange, who was portrayed brilliantly by Karen Smith. The party was completed by Valerie Procter as the refined, timid Susan, who was divorced from an architect three years earlier, and lived with her two children, just along the road. Her 15 year old daughter was hosting a party that night and she was clearly ill at ease. Shrieks, laughter and music were clearly audible from Abigail's party. As Beverly plied her guests with gin, and inhibitions were shed, a dance sequence prompted spontaneous applause.