ITV has unveiled a first look at its upcoming drama, The Party, starring Luke Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers) and Tom Cullen (The Gold, Downton Abbey) – and it's going straight on my autumn watchlist.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day, the "gripping" five-part series follows Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice. But when the Conservative leader announces his resignation and Ben considers standing, Martin fears his bid for power could uncover secrets from their past.
© Rob Youngson / ITV / World ProductionsIf the first look images are anything to go by, viewers can expect plenty of high-stakes drama. One photo sees Luke's character, Martin, running down a woodland path wearing a blood-splattered shirt, while another snapshot shows Martin and Ben looking very intensely at one another.
The series is created by Sarah Solemani, whose previous credits include the Emmy-winning black comedy drama Barry, and the BBC drama Ridley Road, so it's safe to say viewers are in good hands! Plus, with the promise of sex, power, betrayal and secrets, what's not to like?
Keep reading to find out more…
What is The Party about?
Told across two timelines, the series follows working-class journalist Martin Gilmour and his lifelong friendship with wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice.
© Rob Youngson / ITV / World ProductionsWhen Martin, raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia, lands a scholarship to an elite boarding school, he forges an unbreakable bond with Ben. Ben and his family give Martin the sense of belonging he has always craved, and in turn, he remains unflinchingly loyal to Ben through even the greatest crises.
The synopsis continues: "Three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben’s lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurices' 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 …
© Rob Youngson / ITV / World Productions"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."
It concludes: "What unfolds is a gripping exploration of identity, privilege and devotion, combined with a tender ode to anyone who has fought to live authentically."
Teasing the show's themes, creator Sarah Solemani previously said in a statement: "Class, sex, shame, power, betrayal, secrets - stunned ITV are letting me air my dirty laundry for our new show The Party stewarded by the legendary World Productions."
Who stars in The Party?
Joanna Scanlan (After Love, Riot Women) joins Luke Evans and Tom Cullen in the star-studded cast as Martin's mum Sylvia, alongside Lydia Leonard (Gentleman Jack, Wolf Hall) as Ben's wife Serena.
© Rob Youngson / ITV / World ProductionsRounding out the main cast are Lindsay Duncan (The Morning Show, His Dark Materials) and Douglas Hodge (We Live in Time, The Night Manager) as Ben's parents, Lady Katherine and Lord George Fitzmaurice, and creator Sarah Solemani as Martin's pregnant wife, Lucy.
The Party will air this autumn on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
