THE Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, is playing host to Abigail's Party, Mike Leigh's hilarious portrayal of the frustrations of the middle-classes trapped in a semi-detached suburbia of social snobbery and marital conflict.

The setting is a getting to know you' cocktail party hosted by nouveau-riche nightmares Beverly and Laurence for new neighbours, Ange and Tony, who are, according to Laurence, prime evidence of the tone of the area being lowered.

Beverly and Laurence's house is a kitsch 70s time capsule of Jose Feliciano LPs, leatherette sofas and of course the built-in mini-bar awash with bottles of gin and tonic Beverly (Jessica Lloyd), our luscious hostess, swans around the stage like Audrey Hepburn in her low-cut dress, brandishing a cigarette holder and oozing irritation with estate agent Laurence (John Lloyd-Fillingham) whom she clearly feels is far too dull for the film star dream-world she inhabits.

The party is also joined by Sue (Clare Vousden), the demure middle class divorcee from next door who is only at the party to escape her daughter Abigail's noisy party next door and is quizzed mercilessly about the reasons for her husband's departure: "Was he violent?" asks Ange.

Ange (Vanessa Clarke) is pure comedy gold who, in her eagerness to please the hosts of the party, makes cringeworthy inappropriate remarks at every turn.

"Tony says he wants to sellotape my mouth," she squeals.

Tony (Jerry Lindop), gets most of the laughs despite the fact that he sits for most of the play in a brooding silence, exuding the kind of awkward disinterest that will bring sparks of recognition from every man who has ever been forced to a dinner-party when he'd rather be down the pub with his mates.

As the evening progresses, the forced friendliness of the group begins to melt as more drink is consumed and the small talk becomes home truths as the frustrations of each character is revealed, culminating in a tragically bleak finale.

Abigail's Party runs until October 16. For details, call 01524-598500.