British Comedy Guide
Abigail's Party. Image shows from L to R: Laurence (Tim Stern), Beverly (Alison Steadman). Copyright: BBC
Abigail's Party

Abigail's Party

  • TV comedy drama
  • BBC One
  • 1977
  • 1 episode

Acerbic comic drama about a neighbours' get-together in suburbia. Written and directed by Mike Leigh. Also features Alison Steadman, Tim Stern, Janine Duvitski, John Salthouse and Harriet Reynolds

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Abigail's Party. Image shows from L to R: Angela (Janine Duvitski), Beverly (Alison Steadman), Laurence (Tim Stern), Susan (Harriet Reynolds), Tony (John Salthouse). Copyright: BBC

Key details

Genre
Comedy Drama
Broadcast
1977
Channel
BBC 1
Episodes
1
Stars
Alison Steadman, Tim Stern, Janine Duvitski, John Salthouse and Harriet Reynolds
Writer
Mike Leigh
Director
Mike Leigh
Producer
Margaret Matheson
Company

Comedy of manners focusing on the bourgeois affectation and sexual frustration of a young married couple.

Abigail's mother Sue is invited to take refuge from her teenage daughter's party with a neighbouring couple, Beverly and Laurence. They have also invited Angela and Tony, new arrivals in the street. Beverly plies her guests with alcohol as Sue becomes increasingly withdrawn and embarrassed by the pretentious goings-on.

Slowly, marital tensions emerge and the evening is breaking up in disarray when Laurence collapses with a heart attack.

Additional details

Also known as
  • Play For Today: Abigail's Party
Production
Studio
Picture
Colour

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Tuesday 1st November 1977 at 9:25pm on BBC One
Episode length
100 minutes
Most recent repeats
  • Wednesday 1st June 2022 at 10:00pm on BBC4
  • Wednesday 14th October 2020 at 9:00pm on BBC4 - Episode
  • Monday 24th November 2014 at 10:00pm on BBC4 - Episode

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