It's been a while since we've had a real suave and sophisticated drama full of tension and secrets (can you tell we're missing The Night Manager?), but thankfully that is all about to change as ITV is soon to be releasing the highly anticipated series The Party.
Based on Elizabeth's Day novel of the same name, the mini-series is filled with dark secrets, political intrigue and rich people behaving badly, as journalist Martin Gilmour (Luke Evans) attends the birthday party of his eldest friend Ben. Alternating between the chaotic events of the party and the flashbacks of Martin and Ben's friendship through the years, the past threatens to bubble up, with devastating consequences.
![from world productionsthe party on itv1 and itvxpictured: tom cullen as ben fitzmaurice, luke evans as martin gilmourthis photograph is (c) itv and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture desk. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/5e2744f9-8bdf-4eaf-b1b7-a3a1728e4761.jpg?resize=980:* "The Party")
It sounds so compelling and here's everything you need to know about The Party.
What is The Party about?
The Party is based on Elizabeth Day's novel of the same name from 2017 and set to be one of the biggest releases this Autumn.
It follows best friends Martin Gilmour (Luke Evans) and Ben Fitzmaurice (Tom Cullen), who have known each other single school. Martin grew up with a single mother in a working-class home but got a scholarship to a prestigious school where he befriended the privileged Ben.
Ben brought Martin into the fold and opened his world up, exposing him to a rich and glamorous life, and after 30 years, the pair still appear as close as ever. However, when Ben's (now a prominent politician) birthday party rolls around and he announces his intent to run for Conservative party leadership, Martin is worried the level of press could threaten to expose the past.
Over the series the show flips between the current birthday party timeline and various points in the pair's friendship group.
![from world productionsthe party on itv1 and itvxpictured: tom cullen as ben fitzmauricethis photograph is (c) itv and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture desk. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/eba2960d-07b6-40f3-9c29-8e71362e5c9a.jpg?resize=980:* "The Party")
Who stars in The Party?
Leading the cast of The Party is Luke Evans as journalist Martin Gilmour. Evans is best known for starring in Beauty and The Beast, The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug and Fast & Furious 6.
Starring alongside him as Martin's best friend Ben is Tom Cullen, the posh politician intending to run for Conservative leadership. Cullen has previously appeared in House of the Dragon, Trespasses, and The Gold.
Also starring in the series is:
- Sarah Solemani as Lucy Gilmour, Martin's wife. Sarah also serves as the series showrunner.
- Joanna Scanlan as Sylvia Gilmour, Martin's mother.
- Lydia Leonard as Serena Fitzmaurice, Ben's wife.
- Lindsay Duncan as Lady Katherine Fitzmaurice, Ben's mother.
- Douglas Hodge as Lord George Fitzmaurice, Ben's father.
When is The Party out?
Right now all ITV has confirmed is The Party will be launching this autumn. Autumn technically starts on 23 September, so we can hope to expect it after then as we head into October.
The Party is coming soon to ITV and ITVX
