The play remains a classic – Natalie Thomas’ neurotic party host Beverly nails a voice that could crack glass and works in a satisfying amount of vulnerability in with the viciousness with which she flails as the party spirals out of control. Patrick Moy as her tense husband Laurence builds powerfully as his patience and small talk is worn increasingly thin and resentment finally explodes. Cary Crankson and Emily Head’s new neighbours are just as excruciatingly entertaining to watch – Crankson in particular standing out, rounding off a marvellously prolific year – and Jackie Morrison’s Sue completes the cast in gormless wonder.
And as the one-liners ping around the increasingly claustrophobic auditorium, the atmosphere growing ever more toxic and the gin bottles being emptied at a rate of knots, there’s almost something of an endurance test here – a party from which you can’t wait to escape but yet from which you cannot tear your eyes. For all its commentary on class in the UK of the 1970s, the pernicious schtick of determined social climbers remains as relevant today as it ever did. And the archetypal characters are still recognisable in all their cringeworthy glory. I recommend making the trip to the Curve but you’ve only got til Saturday to RSVP…