ITV has brought Elizabeth Day’s bestselling 2017 psychological thriller to life. The five-part drama series The Party uses a stunning array of backdrops across South Wales. Produced by World Productions and written by series creator Sarah Solemani, the adaptation explores themes of class, privilege, and long-buried secrets. The Welsh Government supported the project via Creative Wales, transforming the novel into a visually rich television event.
A Story of Class, Obsession, and Elite Secrets
The narrative centers on Martin Gilmour, a political journalist. His life has been shaped by a decades-long friendship with wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice. Martin was raised by a working-class single mother, Sylvia, played by Joanna Scanlan. He secured a scholarship to an elite private boarding school, where he first met the charismatic Ben.
The series uses a tense multi-timeline structure. It shifts between a lavish 40th birthday party at the Fitzmaurice family estate and a chilling police investigation following a shocking incident. The story traces the duo’s relationship from their school and university days through to adulthood. It exposes the psychological friction of privilege and social standing.
Transforming South Wales into Denby Hall and Beyond
Elizabeth Day’s original book draws inspiration from the Cotswolds and London. However, the production team chose Welsh locations to mirror the emotional undercurrents of the narrative. Leading man Luke Evans, who hails from Pontypool, noted that the regional backdrop added depth to the production’s exploration of underdogs and the social divide.
To bring the Fitzmaurice family seat, Denby Hall, to the screen, the crew used historic sites across South Wales:
- Merthyr Mawr House: A private residence in Bridgend used for the back rooms and interior bedrooms of Denby Hall.
- Llanharan House: A Grade II-listed Georgian mansion in Rhondda Cynon Taf serving as the grand exterior for the family estate.
- Dragon Studios: A location in Bridgend where the massive party tent was constructed.
- Temple of Peace: A striking venue in Cardiff that stood in for the ancient chapel scenes connected to the estate.
Bringing Burtonbury School and Oxford to Life
The production recreated Martin and Ben’s school years across several regional landmarks. Howell’s School in Cardiff provided the school exteriors and classrooms. Student dormitories were shot at the Margam Discovery Centre in Port Talbot. For the rugby field sequences, young actors Jonathan Houlston and Lucas Ely filmed at the Llandaff Rugby Club in Cardiff.
When the plot shifts to academic halls and official proceedings, the production used regional architecture as stand-ins. Cardiff University’s Main Campus and the Swansea Guildhall supplemented Exeter College in Oxford. Swansea Guildhall also served as the stark, mundane police station where Martin undergoes intense questioning.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The series features an ensemble cast led by Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour and Tom Cullen as politician Ben Fitzmaurice. They are joined by Sarah Solemani as Martin’s pregnant wife Lucy, Lydia Leonard as Serena Fitzmaurice, and Joanna Scanlan as Sylvia. The supporting cast includes Douglas Hodge, Rakie Ayola, Bally Gill, Amaka Okafor, Sally Scott, Sam Troughton, and Sinéad Matthews.
Directed by Viviane Andereggen and produced by Richard Burrell, The Party will air on ITV1 and stream on ITVX. This cements South Wales’ rising status as a premier hub for high-end television production.
