THE next show being put on at the Wharf Theatre in Devizes is a hotly anticipated production of seventies classic Abigail’s Party.

Written by Mike Leigh and directed by Chris Palmer, Abigail’s Party is 1970s piece that is still very popular today.

It was huge hit at its premiere in 1977 and when filmed for the BBC, as a Play for Today, it attracted 16 million viewers and made a national star of Alison Steadman.

The play focuses on five suburban neighbours who have gathered for drinks while a teenager’s party goes on next door.

Set to a soundtrack of Donna Summer and Demis Roussos it is an evening full of gaffes, laughs spats, flirting and a very real tragedy.

The play has wonderful mix of unashamed seventies nostalgia and is still a relevant social comment along with being very funny.

Few other productions offer such a relentlessly uncomfortable and yet hilarious take on strained relationships and awkward social situations

It is a deep, dark, moving and beautifully-observed period piece and three decades on this comedy of bad manners is hard to beat.

Abigail’s Party will be performed at the Wharf Theatre from May 1 to May 9 at 7.30pm each evening.

Tickets are £8 and £9, available from the box office in Devizes Books or by calling 01380 725944.