ITV's new drama The Party premieres on Sunday, October 11, at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The five-part series is based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day and follows Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice.
What is The Party about?
The synopsis reads: "Raised alone by his working-class mum, Sylvia, 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. What unfolds is a gripping exploration of identity, privilege and devotion, combined with a tender ode to anyone who has fought to live authentically."
The Party full cast
- Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour
- Tom Cullen as Ben Fitzmaurice
- Joanna Scanlan as Sylvia Gilmour
- Sarah Solemani as Lucy Gilmour
- Lydia Leonard as Serena Fitzmaurice
- Lindsay Duncan as Lady Katherine Fitzmaurice
- Douglas Hodge as Lord George Fitzmaurice
- Sam Troughton
- Sally Scott
- Sinéad Matthews
- Bally Gill
- Amaka Okafor
- Rakie Ayola
Where have you seen the cast of The Party before?
Leading the cast is Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour. Evans broke out in the 2010 remake of Clash of the Titans and has since starred in films such as Immortals, The Raven, Dracula Untold, Beautiful and the Beast, Pinocchio and The Hobbit trilogy, where he played Bard the Bowman. He also worked on Amazon Prime's Nine Perfect Strangers.
Tom Cullen, who plays Ben Fitzmaurice, has appeared in the 2011 independent film Weekend, as Viscount Gillingham in Downton Abbey, Sir Landry in Knightfall, John Palmer in the BBC crime drama The Gold, and Ser Luthor Largent in House of the Dragon.
The cast also includes Sarah Solemani from Him & Her, who wrote the series, Joanna Scanlan from Riot Women, Lydia Leonard from The Crown, Lindsay Duncan from Sherlock, and Douglas Hodge from Joker. Other cast members include Sam Troughton from Chernobyl, Sally Scott from Black Doves, Sinéad Matthews from Hullraisers, Bally Gill from Slow Horses, Amaka Okafor from Secret Service, and Rakie Ayola from The Pact.
