Press: Come and party with the Masque Theatre this July

“Abigail’s Party” by Mike Leigh opens at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg, on Wednesday 12 July 2017. Come and join us for an evening of interactive fun, where everyone is encouraged to don their favourite 70s outfit – even the audience. This production is a special fundraiser for the community theatre.

Mike Leigh has a theme throughout most of his plays of ‘the done thing’ in which his characters and situations reflect what society expected of them at the time and place that the action was set. For “Abigail’s Party”, the setting is the 1970s and an intimate party put on by a couple aspiring to be part of the new middle class emerging at the time. It’s a brilliantly funny, satirical look at society at the time.

The cast is led by Candice Burgess (CATA nominee for “Top Girls”) and Mark Wilkes (CATA winner in 2015 and last seen at the Masque in “Design for Living”) as the hosts of the party. The evening starts looking just right, with the latest style in fashion, drinks, food and music all on display. However, it quickly descends into an uncomfortable show of bad taste and bad manners, ending in an unforgettable climax. Directed by Lynn Moss (who brought “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg” and “One for the Road” to the Masque stage), “Abigail’s Party” promises to be a laugh a minute.

This special celebration of the 40th Anniversary of this classic play is a Masque fundraiser with only five performances. Audience members are encouraged to dress up and come early because the party actually starts in the foyer about 45 minutes before the curtain goes up in the auditorium. Everyone will be welcomed by Abigail partygoers with a complimentary drink, snacks, souvenir programme and a special gift. At interval, you can take part in the raffle and then enjoy a little ‘top up’ at the cash bar with the cast after the show.

Tickets are R150 for evenings and R80 for the matinee, and include all of the above – as well as many laughs. The production runs from Wednesday 12 July until Saturday 15 July. Evening parties start at 19:15 and the curtain goes up at 20:00. The matinee party on Saturday starts at 13:45 and the curtain goes up at 14:00.

Bookings can be made through Computicket or on the Masque website. Alternatively, you can call Masque Theatre Bookings on 021 788 1898 (weekdays from 9:00 - 16:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 - 12:00) or email bookings@masquetheatre.co.za. Follow us on Facebook to find out more about this and other exciting productions.