Future Productions by the Progressive Players
Abigail’s Party
Mike Leigh
Abigail’s Party is a sharply observed comedy of manners that takes a hilariously uncomfortable look at suburban life, social ambition, and the minefield of polite entertaining.
Set in the 1970s, the action unfolds over the course of a single drinks party hosted by Beverley and Laurence Moss, eager to impress their new neighbours. Alongside guests Angela and Tony Cooper is Susan, a divorced neighbour whose teenage daughter Abigail is having her own party next door—an event we never see, but are constantly reminded of.
As drinks are poured and the hostess proudly displays her taste in décor and music, cracks begin to appear beneath the surface of the evening’s forced pleasantries. Awkward silences, misguided flirtation, and passive‑aggressive remarks build steadily, revealing tensions, disappointments and quiet desperation lurking behind the carefully arranged cheese and pineapple.
Developed originally through improvisation, Mike Leigh’s dialogue captures painfully recognisable social behaviour with razor‑sharp accuracy. Funny, cringe‑inducing, and ultimately unsettling, Abigail’s Party remains a classic of British theatre—an enduring satire of manners, marriage, and middle‑class aspiration that still resonates today.
Arsenic & Old Lace
Joseph Kesselring
The murderous comedy returns!
There’s something foul about the Brewster Family. Something in the blood that makes them rotten. Recently engaged Mortimer loves his Aunts and is excited to share his news - but is distressed to find they’ve developed a taste for murder!
Madness runs in his bones; one brother thinks he’s President Roosevelt, the other is an imprisoned killer - can Mortimer really live an honest life with such insanity buried deep? Witness the classic murderous
comedy - and, try the wine won’t you?
Santa and the King of Lapland
Marian Walker
It's Lapland's Winter Fair at the King's palace in two day's time. There will be games including skiing, snowboarding, skating, building snow people, and snowball throwing. Everyone is looking forward to it. There's just one problem .... there's no snow!! Join Santa and the elves to see how they can help the king and save the Winter Fair.
This delightful Christmas play is designed especially for children aged 3-8. It’s full of festive fun, singalong songs and no "baddies" to worry about, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Every child will meet Santa and receive a small memento of their visit.