WELL, I don't know what happened at Abigail's party but it was certainly kicking off at the drinks party next door.

Director Douglas Rintoul has revived the Mike Leigh cult-classic comedy Abigail's Party for the Salisbury Playhouse stage.

Set in 1970s suburbia, upwardly-mobile couple Beverly and Laurence invite new neighbours Angela and Tony, along with middle-class, divorcee Susan, round for drinks, while Susan's 15-year-old daughter Abigail is hosting her own raucous party next door.

Melanie Gutteridge plays the socially-awkward hostess Beverly who, with a classic Essex twang and in a long, backless dress, practically forces Bacardi and cokes and cheese-and-pineapple sticks down her guests, while sniping at her workaholic, estate agent husband and flirting with her new neighbour.

Uptight Laurence, played by Christopher Staines, aspires to the finer things in life – like leather-bound Shakespeare books, Van Gogh paintings and Beethoven – while his perfectly-manicured wife prefers Demis Roussos and kitsch erotic art.

As the evening progresses, the party of five become increasingly drunk and Beverly and Laurence become increasingly irritated by each other.

With ear-piercing shrieks, Amy Downham plays the part of childish newlywed Angela, who likes to giggle and is easily persuaded to have another drink and a cigarette. Liam Bergin aptly plays her mono-syllabic, former professional footballer husband Tony, looking awkward and uncomfortable with Beverly's advances.

Meanwhile, Susie Emmett portrays the quiet and well-spoken Susan with appropriate demure and disdain.

Abigail's Party is a story of social climbing – working class couples trying to claw their way into the middle classes during an era which would later be known as Thatcherism.

The set is hallmark 70s, with cream leather sofas, garish brown wallpaper and a veneer drinks bar.

Under Douglas Rintoul's direction, this is a funny and cringingly brilliant production.

The play continues until November 17. For tickets, contact the Salisbury Playhouse ticket office on 01722 320333 or visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk