Twenty-plus years after its debut, Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party retains its comedy and bite, still a credible probe into lives of quiet desperation. The inability to communicate, to help each other bear the heat of the day and the burden of consciousness, is the rock on which its characters are foundering; and they are all too recognisable.

The party to which we are invited is in fact hosted by Beverly, a lotus eater with attitude. She is married to Laurence, an estate agent with a tic, and their life together is stressful. Her guests, just for drinks and finger food, are Angela, a nurse, with hubby Tony, a laconic computer operator, newcomers to the estate. And Susan, mother of the eponymous 15-year old Abigail, is also there because her daughter is having friends in for a bash, and mum is not wanted.

While Sue frets about post-pubertal high jinks in her house, the hard drinks are flowing, and the five adults begin to fray at the edges. Intimate insults are exchanged, abysses are skirted. If it is funny - and it is, very - the laughter is of the kind compared to the crackling of thorns under a pot. It hurts a little.

The acting from Julie Hale, Ross Flannery, Gabrielle Breathnach, Laurence Lowry and Gail Fitzpatrick is beautifully judged, getting to the heart of their characters. Jean O'Dwyer wields her director's baton with sensitivity, and the clever set design by Sarah Kingston makes little of the venue's limitations. One to enjoy.

Plays until 13th March. Booking at 01-6713387