An island branch of a charity will step right back in time to perform a version of a classic play next month.

The charity Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation IoM is to stage a production of ’the famous Mike Leigh play Abigail’s Party’ at the Methodist Hall, Onchan over three nights, from Thursday, 14 to Saturday, October 16.

The play will feature well-known local actors, including

Rachael Joughin and Howard Caine who star as Beverley and Laurence, along with Sharon Walker, who plays Angela, John Walker as Tony and Alison Quayle as Sue.

The play is a famous piece of middle-class, suburban satire, depicting a dinner party between two couples and Sue, the mother of Abigail, her 15-year-old daughter, who is throwing her own party.

In a desperate effort to maintain appearances, tensions and the free flowing wine force the couples to begin flirting, arguing and more.

Written and produced for the stage by Mike Leigh in 1977, the play was later filmed for the BBC.

The production of the play will feature a 70s theme, with 70s fancy dress being encouraged by the organisers and canapes and other period refreshments on offer.

The play is being directed by Laura Jones, who is also from the charity. All funds raised by the production will go to help local lung cancer patients and their families.

’All funds raised will help support local patients and their families and also go towards pioneering research into the disease,’ said Laura.

’ Over the last 30 years, RCLCF has funded over £30 million in lung cancer research focusing on two primary areas - early detection of lung cancer and improving the patient experience.

’This means every research project we fund, every step we take closer to new diagnostic techniques, every life we save is because of the donations we receive from our individual and corporate supporters.’

Tickets for the plays are £12, available by phoning 331389 or via roycastle.org/abigailsparty