The Gold star Tom Cullen has teased “corrosive and toxic” themes in his upcoming ITV drama The Party. Adapted from Elizabeth Day’s novel of the same name, the series follows the relationship between working-class journalist Martin Gilmour and rich politician Ben Fitzmaurice.
The pair first met at boarding school, where they forged an unbreakable bond and, 30 years later, they reunite at Ben’s extravagant birthday bash. But their unflinching loyalty is put to the test that night, when Ben (played by Cullen) announces his plans to run for the newly vacant role of Conservative party leader.
Martin (Luke Evans) is terrified about the increased attention Ben’s campaign will generate, as their past is guaranteed to be put under the spotlight. The story unfolds over five episodes, exploring their complicated history, the party itself, and the police investigation that follows.
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“It’s about these two boys that fall in love with each other, and about the world crashing under them and them being forced into the shadows and it’s in those shadows that that relationship becomes corrosive and toxic,” Cullen told press at ITV Showcase.
“And I think, at its heart, it’s a show about the corrosive nature of not being able to live your life authentically.”
The relationship drama wouldn’t be complete without input from the pair’s starkly contrasting families. The series features Martin’s mum Sylvia (Joanna Scanlan), Ben’s parents – Lady Katherine (Lindsay Duncan) and Lord George Fitzmaurice (Douglas Hodge), as well as Ben’s wife, Serena (Lydia Leonard).
Meanwhile, Sarah Solemani, who wrote the show, stars as Martin’s pregnant wife Lucy, with Amaka Okafor, Bally Gill, Sally Scott, Sam Troughton, Sinéad Matthews and Rakie Ayola rounding out the cast.
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“From the moment I read Elizabeth Day’s novel, I knew it had the makings of something truly special for television,” Evans previously said. “To now be bringing The Party to life –both as an actor and as an executive producer through Stoic Productions – is incredibly rewarding.
“Sarah Solemani’s adaptation captures the emotional depth and tension of the story perfectly, and to collaborate once again with World Productions and ITV, alongside such an extraordinary cast, is a real privilege. The Party is a gripping exploration of loyalty, class, and the truths we hide, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
The Party will air on ITV1 and ITVX, with a release date yet to be announced.
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