Abigail’s Party at Masque

Vusi Mngomezulu, Candice Burgess, Tash Futeran and Mark Wilkes in Abigail's Party.

Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh opens at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg, on Wednesday July 12.

This production is a special fundraiser for the community theatre and everyone is encouraged to don their favourite 70s outfit.

Mike Leigh has a theme throughout most of his plays of “the done thing” in which his characters and situations reflect what society expected of them at the time and place that the action was set.

For Abigail’s Party, the setting is the 1970s and an intimate party put on by a couple aspiring to be part of the new middle class emerging at the time. It’s a brilliantly funny, satirical look at society at the time.

The cast is led by Candice Burgess and Mark Wilkes as the hosts of the party. The evening starts looking just right, with the latest style in fashion, drinks, food and music all on display.

However, it quickly descends into an uncomfortable show of bad taste and bad manners, ending in an unforgettable climax.

Directed by Lynn Moss, this special celebration of the 40th anniversary of this classic play is a Masque fundraiser with only five performances.

The party actually starts in the foyer about 45 minutes before the curtain goes up in the auditorium.

Everyone will be welcomed by Abigail partygoers with a complimentary drink, snacks, souvenir programme and a special gift.

Tickets are R150 for evenings and R80 for the matinee. The production runs from Wednesday July 12 until Saturday July 15. Evening parties start at 7.15pm and the curtain goes up at 8pm. The matinee party on Saturday starts at 1.45pm and the curtain goes up at 2pm.

Bookings can be made through Computicket or at www.
masquetheatre.co.za or call Masque Theatre Bookings on 021 788 1898.