HAPPILY there was no repeat of the unfortunate 'life imitating art' ending to the London Classic Theatre's performance of Abigail's Party in Edinburgh, when they brought the show to Hereford's Courtyard last night.

Earlier this month, actor Steve Dineen, who plays Laurence in the iconic drama, dramatically collapsed on stage at Musselburgh's Brunton Theatre, but was well enough to perform the following evening.

This is a play that, once seen, is never forgotten, for its relentless descent from mannered drinks party to life in the raw as Beverly and Laurence's marriage very publicly implodes, counterpointed by that of their guests, Ange and Tone. The latter, newcomers to the street, have been invited to a little 'get to know the neighbours' soiree by the hugely aspirational Bev, along with Sue, whose teenage daughter, Abigail, is having a party elsewhere in the street. The veneer of social nicety is soon stripped away to reveal the ugly underbelly of suburban life.

Alice Selwyn's corncrake screech was pitch perfect for Bev, while Amy Starling's nice-but-dim Ange provided the perfect foil. The male leads, too - Steve Dineen and Jamie Matthewman - gave nicely judged performances to hit the right Seventies tone.

Abigail's Party continues tonight at The Courtyard. 7.30pm. To book, call the box office on 0870 1122330.