THEATRE stalwart Ruth Bettesworth takes the helm for next week's Bijou Theatre Production.

Following Ruth's success with The Anniversary in 2008, Bijou is hoping her choice of Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh will follow the same path.

A spokesman said: "Ruth has assembled a really strong cast for this iconic 1970s comedy – Jon Manley, Dean Breyley, Nicola Samuel Stevens, Julie Hale and Lydia Dockray.

"The play itself is extremely funny, and centres round Beverley and Laurence, who are entertaining their new neighbours, Angela and Tony, to drinks and snacks.

"Also invited is Susan, whose teenage daughter Abigail is giving a party at which her mother would be less than welcome.

"At first, goodwill, cliches and fatuous small talk abound. But the sense of growing marital strain between Beverly and Laurence, Susan's growing anxiety as to what is happening at her daughter's party, and the supreme tactlessness of various remarks by Beverly and Angela generate a rising tension — which finally snaps."

The production runs at the Palace Theatre in Paignton from Wednesday until Saturday.

For tickets, call the box office on 01803 665800.