Abigail’s Party & Too Much of a Good Thing

The iconic hit Abigail’s Party alongside banned Leigh radio play, Too Much of a Good Thing.

The BBC bring you this special collection of the award winning director, producer, screenwriter Mike Leigh's famous play and a banned piece from the BBC archives.

Abigail’s Party - At the height of 1970s suburbia, social class and ambition, Beverly Moss, the Hostess with the Mostess, is inviting you to her cocktail party. The latest tracks are on the record player, the drinks are flowing and there’s even a bowl of olives – although it seems that only Laurence likes those. As the night moves on and the party gets thick with sexual tension, Beverly’s exclusive gathering quickly descends into chaos.

Too Much of a Good Thing - Written and directed for radio by Mike Leigh, this play about a driving instructor and his pupil falling in and out of love was recorded on location in London in 1979. The final Drama Now of the season is the premiere of the only original work for radio by one of Britain's leading playwrights and film-makers.

Starring Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, Brenda Blethyn and more.