Actor Luke Evans is starring in the new five-part ITVX and ITV1 drama, ‘The Party’, which premiered on 11 October. The political thriller, adapted from Elizabeth Day’s 2017 bestseller, also saw Evans serve as an executive producer and was filmed close to his childhood home in Wales.
About ‘The Party’ Drama
‘The Party’ delves into a world of class division, toxic privilege, and betrayal, centring on a mystery unfolding at an extravagant, circus-themed birthday party hosted by a rising Conservative politician. Luke Evans plays Martin Gilmour, a journalist whose life is deeply intertwined with charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, portrayed by Tom Cullen.
The narrative weaves through three timelines: their boarding school days, Cambridge University, and the present-day party, leading to a police interview where Martin appears bloodied and shaken, hinting at a terrible event. Sarah Solemani, who adapted the novel, also stars as Lucy Gilmour, Martin’s pregnant wife.
The series, which The Guardian describes as ‘hugely moreish’ and ‘enormous fun’, features a lavish cast including Lindsay Duncan and Douglas Hodge. Critics, such as those from The Telegraph, have noted its comparison to ‘Saltburn’ for its depiction of ‘Tory toffs’ and themes of homosexual longing and class resentment.
Luke Evans’s Personal Connection
For Luke Evans, filming ‘The Party’ held particular significance as it was shot in Cardiff and Bridgend, just 25 minutes from his childhood home in Aberbargoed, Caerphilly county. The Pontypool-born star, 47, expressed on BBC’s ‘The One Show’ that being able to work so close to his family for the first time in 30 years was “joyous.”
Evans initiated the idea to adapt Elizabeth Day’s novel for the screen. His parents, Yvonne and David Evans, still live in his childhood home, allowing for weekend dinners and dog walks during the winter filming period. He even managed to secure cameos for some family members, including his cousin, his wife, and their children, in the final episode of the series.
Following the wrap of ‘The Party’, Evans headed to New York to star as Dr Frank-N-Furter in a Broadway revival of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, a role he described as a “most wonderful, inclusive, joyous two hours.”
Critical Reception and Themes Explored
‘The Party’ has been praised for its fast pace, compelling mystery, and strong performances. The Guardian highlighted its ‘perfectly cast’ ensemble and the rapid establishment of characters and secrets, leaving the audience ‘baited on about 30 hooks’. Lindsay Duncan’s portrayal of Ben’s mother was singled out as a standout.
The series explores complex relationships, youthful mistakes, betrayals, and simmering class resentment. While some critics note a lack of conventionally ‘likeable characters’, this is seen as part of the appeal, allowing viewers to simply ‘go along for the ride’ through its twists and turns. The adaptation by Sarah Solemani updates the novel’s political context, making it relevant to contemporary UK politics.
