Outhwaite explains 'tradwife' role in latest play

Former EastEnders actor Tamzin Outhwaite has described her character in a stage adaptation of 1970s play Abigail's Party as a "tradwife, without doing any cooking".

The theatre and television performer plays Beverly in Mike Leigh's black comedy exploring suburban life.

The show completes a run at Theatre Royal Brighton, in East Sussex, on Saturday as part of a national tour, before heading to the West End in London.

Speaking to the BBC, Outhwaite compared her character to an internet subculture, in which online communities promote traditional gender roles, adding that her character "doesn't do anything, she drinks, she smokes, she gets her hair done".

Today, Beverley "would be an influencer on Instagram, she'd be on TikTok, she'd be selling everything", said the actor.

Outhwaite said the play "tackles lots of issues", adding: "Set in 1977, you think it would be dated but somehow it's really relevant."

"It's extremely funny but very dark as well and I think we lean into the darkness a bit more than maybe other productions," she said.

Outhwaite said she has enjoyed working on the production, ranking it in her "top three" career roles.

"I think this particular production, playing this character, with this cast, visiting these places, it's the happiest I've been on a stage," she said.

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