South Wales serves as the primary backdrop for ITV’s upcoming five-part psychological thriller, The Party. The high-profile television production stars Welsh actor Luke Evans as a journalist who finds himself pulled into a complex police investigation following a wealthy friend’s birthday celebration.
Adapted from Elizabeth Day’s bestselling 2017 novel of the same name, the drama is set in the fictional Welsh town of Denby. Production crews spent months filming across various locations throughout the region, including Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, and Swansea. New College in Oxford is the only filming location selected outside of Wales.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team Behind The Party
The production, which took place across late 2025 and early 2026, brings together an esteemed group of creative talent. Sarah Solemani serves as both writer and cast member for the series, working alongside director Viviane Andereggen to bring Day’s psychological suspense to life on screen.
World Productions, ITV Studios, and Stoic Pictures are collaborating to produce the drama. Leading the cast is Luke Evans, who portrays Martin Gilmour, a scholarship student from a working-class background. Martin’s life shifts dramatically when his friendship with wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice-played by Tom Cullen-draws him deep into Britain’s exclusive upper social circles.
Plot Details and Central Conflict
The core narrative of The Party unfolds during Ben’s lavish 40th birthday celebration held at his sprawling country estate. While the event starts as a high-society gathering filled with privilege and ambition, the atmosphere curdles dramatically.
The central conflict shatters the following morning when Martin is brought into a local police station and subjected to intense questioning regarding a disturbing incident that occurred during the festivities. As investigators peel back the layers of upper-class camaraderie, dark secrets and hidden tensions begin to surface.
Production Background and Locations
The choice of South Wales for The Party highlights the region’s growing prominence as a major hub for high-end television drama production. By utilizing distinctive urban and coastal backdrops across Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, and Swansea, the series captures both the intimate and oppressive atmosphere required for a gripping psychological thriller.
ITV has not yet announced an official broadcast premiere date for The Party, but post-production is underway following the conclusion of filming in early 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About ITV’s The Party
When was ITV’s The Party filmed?
Principal photography for the five-part psychological thriller took place across late 2025 and early 2026.
Where was The Party filmed?
The series was filmed primarily across South Wales-including Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, and Swansea-with New College in Oxford serving as the sole filming location outside of Wales.
Who stars in the television adaptation of The Party?
The series stars Welsh actor Luke Evans as Martin Gilmour and Tom Cullen as wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice. Sarah Solemani also features in the cast while serving as the series writer.
What is the plot of The Party?
Based on Elizabeth Day’s 2017 novel, the story follows a working-class scholarship student drawn into upper-class British society, whose life upends when he is questioned by police following a disturbing incident at a friend’s lavish 40th birthday party.
Which production companies are making The Party?
The psychological thriller is being produced by World Productions, ITV Studios, and Stoic Pictures.
