Welsh actor Tom Cullen has shared the charming story of how a personal voice message from fellow actor Luke Evans landed him a leading role in ITV’s gripping political drama, The Party. Reflecting on their long-standing friendship dating back to 2009, Cullen detailed how Evans personally reached out to bring him on board for the multi-layered television adaptation filmed in South Wales.
How a Voice Message Secured the Lead Role
While introducing the series on social media, Cullen explained that a direct pitch from Evans made all the difference. The duo, both prominent Welsh actors, were eager to collaborate on screen. The five-part drama series, based on Elizabeth Day’s acclaimed 2017 novel of the same name, officially premiered on ITV and STV, capturing audiences with its intense exploration of the British class system, old money, and deep-seated personal secrets.
In The Party, Luke Evans stars as Martin Gilmour, a weary and ambitious journalist covered in blood during a police interrogation in the opening scenes. The narrative unfolds through dramatic flashbacks, tracing Martin’s life from his working-class upbringing with his mother Sylvia, played by Joanna Scanlan, to his scholarship at an elite boarding school. There, he meets Ben Fitzmaurice, a wealthy and charismatic Conservative politician portrayed by Tom Cullen.
Exploring Complex Relationships and On-Screen Chemistry
The core of The Party rests on the complicated, multi-faceted dynamic between Martin and Ben. Spanning three decades, their unbreakable bond is tested when Martin receives an invitation to Ben’s lavish 40th birthday celebration at the Fitzmaurice family’s country estate. The sudden announcement of the Conservative leader’s resignation threatens to upend the weekend, dredging up past secrets that carry devastating consequences.
Speaking about their intense working dynamic, Evans praised his co-star and highlighted the emotional weight of their characters’ narrative arc. Although Cullen is straight and Evans is gay, both actors focused entirely on delivering an authentic, passionate, and tragic portrayal of love and loyalty. Their close friendship off-screen helped establish a profound on-screen chemistry that drives the psychological thriller.
Production Background and Creative Team
The project has been a labor of love for Luke Evans, who championed Elizabeth Day’s novel during the pandemic and brought the intellectual property to World Productions through his company, Stoic Productions. Adapted for television by writer Sarah Solemani and directed to highlight the stark realities of British privilege, the series also features a stellar supporting cast including Lindsay Duncan, Douglas Hodge, Lydia Leonard, and Sarah Solemani.
Filming took place across South Wales, including locations in Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf, with backing from the Welsh Government via Creative Wales. Having launched to millions of viewers across ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player, The Party continues to draw critical acclaim for its razor-sharp examination of identity, ambition, and the heavy price of social climbing.
