Luke Evans has revealed how a novel he could not put down became the basis for a new ITV drama, The Party, and why filming it in Wales felt like coming home.
The Aberbargoed-born actor told WalesOnline he was recommended Elizabeth Day's book during lockdown, despite not being a big reader. "I didn't put it down. It was a brilliantly written book; complex, great characters and, selfishly, there was a really good main character called Martin who I could see myself playing," he said. Evans then approached World Productions, with whom he made The Pembrokeshire Murders, and the book was optioned and developed together.
Filming moved to Wales
The drama stars Evans as Martin Gilmour, a journalist from a small village, with Welsh actor Tom Cullen playing his affluent politician friend. Although the book is set in the Cotswolds, the team decided to relocate the story to Wales. "Once we decided that we could move the whole story to Wales, we thought: 'Well, why not just shoot the whole thing in Wales?'" Evans said, crediting Creative Wales for helping secure funding, locations and studios.
Cast and crew were spotted filming in Cardiff's Roath Park in December, with Evans seen preparing for scenes and chatting with crew. He said the only drawback was the weather: "It was winter, so it rained almost every day for three months!"
Making the most of being home
Away from set, Evans made the most of being near his family for the first time in 30 years. "I walked Roath Park with my dog, and cooked lots of food, and had friends and family come visit the house, and we went to Barry to the beach," he said. "It was all the things I couldn't do usually, so I tried to make the most of that."
Evans said he felt deeply connected to the role, drawing parallels between Martin's life and his own: a religious upbringing, a small village, big dreams and ambition. He also resonated with the character's underlying LGBTQ storyline, describing it as "a tragic love story that sadly fails" but one about finding your authentic self.
Reflecting on a working-class background
Speaking candidly about growing up working class in south Wales, Evans said he left school at 16 and believes such a background can be an advantage. "If you are working class and you get the opportunity to do anything, you usually grab it with both hands and just go for it," he said. He added that class divisions remain "rife within the United Kingdom" and that people from the Valleys often feel proud when one of their own succeeds.
After a busy period that included finishing The Rocky Horror Show on Broadway, Evans said he is now craving a break. "I need to refill the tank with just normal life; walking my dog, enjoying the last bit of summer," he said. "Then we'll see what's next."
The Party airs on ITV1 and ITVX from 9pm on Sunday, October 11.
