Abigail’s Party at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Abigail's Party at Blackpool Grand Theatre
Image courtesy of Sean Conboy.

Abigail's Party at Blackpool Grand Theatre at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Blackpool 22 — 26 October 2024 Tickets from £19.50 — Book now

A fresh new version of Mike Leigh’s iconic and most-lauded 1970’s comedy, Abigail’s Party, comes to Blackpool Grand Theatre this autumn. This celebrated comedy of manners first premiered in London in 1977. Now, over forty years later, the party is still going strong for this warm suburban comedy.

Settle into your seat and enjoy this national treasure as you’ve never seen it before. Directed by acclaimed new theatrical talent, Jack Bradfield – winner of the Royal Theatrical Support Trust (RTST) Sir Peter Hall Directing Award, expect to see new life injected into this biting black comedy.

Overbearing hostess Beverly is hosting a cocktail party. Together with her husband Laurence, Beverly invites her newly married neighbours, Angela and Tony and her divorced neighbour, Sue. Meanwhile, Sue’s teenage daughter, Abigail is throwing a party of her own next door.

As the booze flows, tensions boil and tempers alight – until the curtain of respectability falls with hilarious though potentially catastrophic consequences.

Abigail’s Party is considered a British theatre masterpiece and one of Mike Leigh’s most revered works. When Abigail’s Party was devised, Leigh’s way of working was viewed as different from many other theatre-makers. Instead of presenting his actors with a script, Leigh used the rehearsal space and the actors as his medium and inspiration. Abigail’s Party was created through improvisations during which Leigh explored the characters with the performers. This organic, character-based work allowed for evolution and depth, as Leigh and his actors worked together to create authentic and fully realised personalities. The finished work was never planned beforehand and the original cast improvised for ten weeks to create the powerful, yet ridiculous, characters.

Voted one of the country’s favourite TV shows in a Radio Times poll, Leigh’s ground-breaking Abigail’s Party is one of Britain’s most popular comedies. Recommended for ages 12+, this eagerly anticipated touring production is not to be missed.

Abigail's Party at Blackpool Grand Theatre at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Blackpool 22 — 26 October 2024 Tickets from £19.50 Book now

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Where to go near Abigail’s Party at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Dirty Blonde's
Blackpool
Restaurant
Dirty Blonde’s

Dirty Blonde’s is a dive bar and pizza joint that feels more downtown New York than British seaside town. Go for the craft beer, graffitied walls and indie playlist, stay for the New York pizzas and wings.

Blackpool
Café or Coffee Shop
HIVE Blackpool

HIVE is an independent artisan quality coffee shop with its own art gallery, whose ‘GuggenHive’ wall gives a leg-up to emerging artists.

Blackpool
Event venue
Empress Ballroom

The Empress Ballroom is a famous Blackpool venue in the heart of Winter Gardens. It has a spectacular interior, and a capacity of 3350. This makes it a wonderful place for concerts and large events.

Charabanc blackpool
Blackpool
Shop
Charabanc

Charabanc is your go-to for vintage and handcrafted items including fashion, gifts and homewares.

West Coast Rock Cafe

Family owned restaurant that is famous for it’s burgers and brews its own beer, with a good location is close to the Winter Gardens. Its lockdown delivery menu offers everything you need for a family night in.

Mandarin
Blackpool
Restaurant
Michael Wan’s Mandarin

Think of Blackpool and what springs to mind? Whatever it is, it’s probably not top tier Cantonese dining. But a visit to Michael Wan’s Mandarin might just change that.

La Fontana
Blackpool
Restaurant
La Fontana

This cosy, family-run trattoria is perfect for couples and families alike, pairing lovingly-prepared plates of Italian classics with twinkling fairy lights, roman pillars and a fountain.

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

Abington Street Market
Blackpool
Restaurant
Abington Street Market Food Hall

Housing six independent food traders, two bars and a coffee shop, Abington Street Market Food Hall is a great choice for… choice! Great when you’re in a big (or fussy!) group.

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An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

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The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

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XS Malarkey

Providing award-winning Comedy since 1997, XS Malarkey is a not-for-profit comedy club, hosted every week by Toby Hadoke.

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Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

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