Casting Complete for Abigail's Party at Menier Chocolate Factory

Full casting has been announced for the upcoming revival of Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party at London's Menier Chocolate Factory. Directed by Lindsay Posner, previews begin March 2 with opening night set for March 8. The production will play a limited engagement ending April 21, then transfer to Bath’s Theatre Royal from April 23 to 28.

Joining the previously announced Jill Halfpenny in the role of Beverly will be Joe Absolom as Tony, Natalie Casey as Angela, Susannah Harker as Susan and Andy Nyman as Laurence.

Set in 1970s suburbia, Abigail’s Party tells the story of Beverly and Lawrence, a couple hosting a get-together with their neighbors. Even with an abundance of alcohol, cheese-pineapple bites and olives, tempers and prejudices threaten to turn the fun-filled night into a disaster.

Absolom is best known for his roles in British TV hits EastEnders and Doc Martin, as well as Ashes To Ashes, New Tricks and Vincent and films Extreme Ops and Long Time Dead. Casey who is currently starring in Legally Blonde on the West End, is best known for her work on TV’s Hollyoaks and the BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Her previous theatre credits include The Invisible Man, Hobson’s Choice, Oklahoma and Well. Harker starred in the acclaimed BBC production of Pride and Prejudice and the TV series House of Cards. Her theater credits include The Little Platoons, Jingo and On the Shore of the Wide World. Nyman’s stage credits include Terrible Advice, Ghost Stories, Moonlight and Magnolias, Saturday Sunday Monday and Lust. His films include Death at a Funeral, Severance, The Tournament and Wayne’s World II.

Abigail’s Party will feature set and costume design by Mike Britton, lighting by Howard Harrison and sound design by Fergus O’Hare.