To be upset at being compared to Beverly from Abigail's Party?

[AmIreallyBeverly]

Went to see Abigail's Party at the theatre last night with some friends. We all had to rush off afterwards so chatted about it on WhatsApp this morning.

One of the friends I went with has a very dry sense of humour that I admit I don't always get. However, she's generally very considerate and emotionally aware. She does seem to enjoy my company.

This morning on the chat she said that Beverly reminded her of me and added a laughing face. The conversation abruptly ended because no one replied to it.

I don't see how she could have meant that without being cruel? I can see that I am a bit awkward but I don't think there is any other cross over. I'm a bit upset to think that's how she sees me tbh.

I've been told that before as well. I was bemused. I do have an Essex accent though and can be a bit over-dramatic. I wasn't offended, more puzzled. I like Beverly though.

That’s not very nice. Ask her in the group WhatsApp chat what she means as it’s not very complimentary?

Well given it’s a nasty play which ridicules a woman who is trying to throw a nice party I would think it says more about them than you.

Surely you should have replied "cheeky cow! Why do you say that 🤣🤣"

Does she remind you of any annoying characters from other dramas that you could drop on her? That blonde one from motherland?

I don't think you understood the play.

Yes it certainly does ridicule her and arguably makes her out to be a right cunt <literary term> and I'd not accept that comparison without an informed critique.

just tell her she reminds you of beverly's husband / another character from the play.

and yes that is an insulting thing of her to say.

Well, are you anything like her? Can’t see what’s wrong with pointing that out?
If you are and you don’t like the character then perhaps you should change?

Are you the friend?

As I say I recognise the awkwardness in me but I'm definately not overbearing. I don't recognise (and hope I'm not) rude, a show off or a social climber (in a bad way iyswim). I try to make people feel comfortable and would never intentionally make someone do something they don't want to.

I also hope I treat my husband with respect!

I've only seen this play, I've not seen any other versions. But from what I've read and from what you've all said, Beverly was shown in a fairly typical way so I will ask her to clarify what she means but I can't see it as a compliment.

No one has commented on the WhatsApp since.

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I remember quite liking Beverly. From the film though, I don't know if the play is different. If you understand where her insecurity comes from, and don't want women to be endlessly nice and passive, she's sympathetic in a way. She reminds me a bit of my mother. Also a working class girl made good. And when I was a child watching it, she was glamorous and interesting while so many people in suburbia are dull and conformist.

I think it's something Mark Kermode said, there's a difference between antagonists you don't care about and those you do. You do care about her. And Alison Steadman is fantastic.

This is all through the lens of thinking of being a child watching it (and I am decades older).

Is it a sneery comment about class? Are you and your friend from different backgrounds?

If no one else has commented they probably all agree with her!

Well Beverly looked cool AF with the 70s gear on and Alison Steadman is also ace so if your mate’s trying to be funny, they’re coming off like a dick. And if no one else is commenting, they probably think so too and are a bit embarrassed for your friend.

Is Beverly the Alison steadman character? She was great!! 😀

This sounds like a very strange friendship group where no-one including yourself, has said "Oh? Why?"

Are you all very serious people?

Well what Beverley absolutely wouldn’t have been able to do was laugh at herself…

Do you like Feliciano?

I suppose it all depends on the tone and dynamic of your friendship group. I'd have just replied with a sarky comment and thought nothing more of it.

Do you like Demis Roussous ?

My husband compares me to Margot in The Good Life … which I am very happy about 😂

I have said "why? 🤣 was it her awesome dress?". (Her dress was very my style.)

I just wanted to see whether I had interpreted Beverly properly before I replied.

I would respond 'in what way' to that message.

Does she understand the character?

It's a great play but being compared to Beverly isn't a compliment.

Margot is fab. She's clueless and a bit of a snobbish she's very kind and looks after her friends. She also has great dresses!