DUNOON Players performed Mike Leigh’s play, Abigail’s Party, despite the weather, with an audience of over 80 people braving the storm for the Friday performance.
The play, created and set in the 70’s, has stood the test of time because it is still relevant as a satire on the upwardly mobile middle-class.
The title ‘Abigail’s Party’ is a misnomer, as we never get to meet Abigail, the party is down the road, and we are not invited.
Instead, we are invited to Beverley and Laurences house. Beverley, played superbly by Tracey Bates, is a force of nature who takes no prisoners. Smoking constantly, which was normal at the time, she is very fond of gin and tonics and tea. She has an acid tongue, used to put down her husband Laurence (Ian Tyson, demonstrating his long suffering).
Visitors arrive: enthusiastic and bouncy Angela (played by Wendy Aitken) and her husband Tony, (Mark Bonsor) and then we meet Susan, played by Julie Forrester, plied with numerous gin and tonics until she vomits, fortunately off stage.
Susan and Tony show that they are accomplished actors, for they have the ability to do nothing. This might sound strange, but it is difficult to do: sitting with small movements and limited facial expressions, creating a presence without intruding.
Lighting and sound was provided by Duncan Keary. It was the director’s choice to have subdued lighting, meaning we could appreciate the very Seventies style fibre optic lamp.
Prompt Shirley Haunschmidt could be seen near the stage but hardly ever heard, as promoters always hope will be the case.
In general, the performance had the mark of a director, Roy Beeby, who knew the play and moulded the cast into an enjoyable evening.
It is a pity that the Cowal audiences seem sometimes reluctant to come out: three performances are very few. However, many thanks to those who attended, and to those who helped behind the scenes and front of house, both in Strachur and in Dunoon.
The Dunoon Players deserve your support. If you are interested in joining the group, to act and/or help, contact them via Facebook page Dunoon Players or [email protected]
