IT'S back to the '70s this June as Thurrock Courts Players present one of the most classic and recognisable titles of the decade – Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party.

British suburbanites Laurence and Beverly are entertaining their new neighbours, Angela and Tony, joined by Susan whose teenage daughter Abigail is having a party to which Susan has been dis-invited.

Over drinks and snacks, cliches and fatuous small talk abound. As the drinks flow, tensions rise and sniping, bickering and drunken dancing ensue.

This is a title the group have been contemplating for some time and director George Andelon delivers his passion for this classic, taking audiences from laughter to shock as middle-class suburbia shows it's darker side.

While some will recognise traits of the bored suburban housewife, George is determined not to create a carbon copy of the famous Alison Steadman TV production and to bring out the show's underlying themes, which highlight attitudes and opinions of a bygone era.

Michael, Sophie and Jill at this year's NODA Awards.

Taking on the roles of the hosting couple are the now familiar faces of Sophie Nash and Michael Southgate, joined once again by Jill Snelling, who starred in last year's production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice which scooped the NODA award for Best Drama, an accolade the group have won, or been nominated for, year on year.

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Abigail's Party runs from 10-12 June at the Thameside Theatre, Grays. Tickets available from the theatre box office 0345 300 5264 or online at ABIGAIL'S PARTY