ITV starts The Party
FIRST LOOK: Luke Evans, Tom Cullen and Joanna Scanlan head the cast of ITV series The Party, a five-part drama based on the novel by Elizabeth Day that is now filming on location in Wales.
Evans plays Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice (Cullen). Raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia (Scanlan), Martin wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school, where he first meets Ben. They forge an unbreakable bond, as Ben and the Fitzmaurice’s give Martin the sense of belonging he has always craved. In turn, Martin remains unflinchingly loyal to Ben through even the greatest crises.
Three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben’s lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurice’s country pile. The news of the Conservative leader’s resignation threatens to derail Ben’s party, as he considers announcing his intention to stand. Martin fears the publicity that Ben’s bid would bring, dredging up the secrets of their past with tragic consequences.
The drama moves between the shocking events of the party and the police investigation that follows, with flashbacks to Martin and Ben’s lives at school, university and London party days.
The Party is written and created by showrunner Sarah Solemani (Chivalry, Ridley Road), who also stars as Martin’s pregnant wife, Lucy.
Lydia Leonard plays Serena, Ben’s formidable wife, whilst Lindsay Duncan and Douglas Hodge play Ben’s parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice.
The cast also includes Amaka Okafor, Bally Gill, Sally Scott, Sam Troughton, Sinéad Matthews and Rakie Ayola.
The drama is produced by World Productions (Until I Kill You, Malpractice, Vigil) in association with Stoic Productions and ITV Studios, which is handling international distribution.
Executive producer include Simon Heath, CEO and creative director of World Productions, alongside Evans for his company Stoic Productions. Solemani and Day are also executive producers together with World’s Laura Cotton.
The series will be directed by Viviane Andereggen (Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, Kleo) with Richard Burrell (Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, All Creatures Great and Small) producing.
The drama will air on ITV1 and STV and be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player.
tagged in: ITV, ITV Studios, Luke Evans, Sarah Solemani, Stoic Productions, The Party, Tom Cullen, World Productions