Abigail's Party, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Hosting this classic 1970s production must leave the casting director with a big, beautiful and maxi dress wearing elephant in the room - Alison Steadman.

However, this brilliant cast not only match the original TV Play for Today which made a household name of Steadman, but manage to add a little more thousand island dressing to this cocktail homage to the decade of decadence and vulgarity.

As soon as I read Polly Lister had been cast as the brash, loud and domineering Beverly I knew we were in for an amazing night at the theatre - and she doesn't let you down. An epic performance as the hostess with the most of 1977. And with Richard Earl as her estate agent hubby Laurence and Cate Hamer, Jonny McPherson and Frances Marshall as their neighbours Susan, Tony and Angela as the neighbours, it is a perfect night at the theatre. The neighbours are dragged into the marital battlefield hidden beneath the veneer of a drinks party.

This cast bring the humour and pathos of Mike Leigh's play to emotional extremes. As Susan's teenage daughter Abigail has a rowdy party, the adults are brought together in Beverley and Laurence's home. The set designers should get a mention for their accurate portrait of the aspirational 70s home, complete with rotisserie grill, fibre optic light and cigarette parapahalia. Different times.

We may have come a long way in sexual politics, however, the fiery relationship between Beverly and Laurence has a lot to say about any couple. Where and how does extreme love and passion slip into annoyance and, at times hatred?

The audience were ready to be entertained. The play provides you with great expectations. And this production will not let you down - a black comedy you will titter about well after leaving the main house at Theatre by the Lake. A play not to miss this season.

Abigail's Party runs until November 6.

Karen Morley.