

Abigail's Party
Mike Leigh
What readers are saying
Readers generally enjoy the plays, particularly praising the humor and depth of Abigail's Party. Many appreciate the characters' vividness and the engaging discussions it inspires, although Goose-Pimples receives mixed reviews for being less enjoyable. A few find elements outdated or lacking in humor, making it a divisive experience for some readers.
Mike Leigh’s 1970s classic play ‘Abigail’s Party’ focuses on an evening of domestic hell in the guise of a suburban drinks soirée.
While teenager Abigail parties a few doors away, the pretentious Beverly and her estate agent husband, Laurence, entertain their neighbours – Abigail’s mother, Susan, ex-footballer, Tony, and his wife, Angela.
But as the alcohol flows, tensions in the hosts’ barely functional marriage emerge and their obsessions, prejudices and petty competitiveness are ruthlessly, and hilariously, exposed.
‘Goose-Pimples’, meanwhile, is easily as sharp and uncompromising.
This time, the action focuses on ambitious casino croupier, Jackie, and Saudi businessman, Muhammad, who meet – and misunderstand – one another spectacularly.
Abigail's Party & Goose-pimples is a British comedy play written by Mike Leigh and published by Penguin in Harmondsworth (1983).
Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle, Apple Books .
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