Joanna Scanlan has revealed how ITV’s The Party differs from the original novel it is based on, explaining that she was told to portray her character very differently from the book.
The five-part series, which made its debut on ITV at the weekend, brings to life author Elizabeth Day’s best-selling 2017 novel of the same name. It follows political journalist Martin Gilmour, played by Luke Evans, who attends the 40th birthday party of his oldest friend Ben, portrayed by Tom Cullen.
It becomes clear there is a complicated history between the two men, and Martin is arrested following an incident at the party, although what exactly happened is not yet revealed.
A more human portrayal
Scanlan, known for roles in Slow Horses and The Larkins, stars as Martin’s religious mother Sylvia. Speaking to ITV, she said: “Sylvia is a very sympathetic character. She's not so sympathetic in the book, but I was told to make her more of a human being.
“I know that one of the things Sarah [Solemani] said was that in the TV version she just didn't necessarily want to make the mother the source of the problem, in the way of ‘chercher la femme’.
“As Sylvia isn’t a villainess, I had to find something else to do with the character. So I explored that frustration that you have as a parent of wanting the best for your child and at the same time, knowing you're losing them in the process.”
Screening schedule
The thriller’s next two episodes aired on Monday, October 12, with the third airing this evening, Tuesday, October 13, at 9pm.
The official synopsis for tonight’s episode reads: “Under emotional pressure from a frantic Ben, Martin must decide how far he's prepared to go to bury the secret from their past and save his best friend.”
Fans will have to wait longer for the remaining two episodes, which will air over two consecutive nights from Sunday, October 18, and then the following evening, Monday, October 19. The Party is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.
