Party Season.
Royal & Derngate
At Royal & Derngate, a show begins as a light-hearted comedy about children’s parties, but quickly shifts into something unexpectedly profound. Party Season, A Wardrobe Ensemble production, revolves around a weekend full of children’s parties, seemingly a nightmare for the adults involved while the scenes portraying the children’s perspectives are full of catchy songs and an upbeat tempo. The play captures the chaos and niceties of awkward gatherings, familiar scenes, I’m sure for everyone. It’s immediately relatable, drawing you in with comedy and humour that is recognisable and charmingly exaggerated. Party Season is co-directed by Helena Seneca and Jesse Jones. The Party Season devisors and cast are Tom England (Xander), Kerry Lovell (Margot, Simone and Maya), Fowzia Madar (Bea), Jesse Meadows (Celia), James Newton (Entertainer and Felix), Jacade Simpson (Kane and Aongus), Ben Vardy (David).
It’s clear where the comedy is directed. Laughter ripples throughout the theatre, adults in the room remembering the moments of their own children’s parties or maybe even their own when they were children. The script is sharp, with snappy lines that keep the energy high throughout. What makes Party Season so effective is the striking emotional depth. Beneath the cheerful exterior are thought-provoking reflections on grief, personal identity and the struggles of adulthood, carefully balanced against the childish scenes. These quieter moments provide a depth that makes you think beyond the comedy.
The set is simple yet incredibly effective. Though no set changes happen, lighting (Chris Swain) is expertly used to shift frames, swapping from real life to text messages and between houses. The play is easy to follow, and the cast moves fluidly between roles, portraying both overbearing parents and boisterous children. James Newton puts on an incredible performance, switching between confident ‘Entertainer’, and shy ‘Felix’. Alongside Tom England, (Xander), the two portray an incredible dynamic between father and son, adding versatility and another layer to the performance.
While the show succeeds in accurately portraying a universal adult experience and has a natural flow between scenes, there are moments where it loses momentum. Some sections feel drawn out and dynamics between characters are introduced but cut short, leaving small gaps in the narrative. Despite this, audience reaction clearly indicates there is a deep resonance with many in the audience. The cast receive a standing ovation, reflecting just how effectively Party Season connects with its viewers.
In the digital programme notes co-directors Helena Seneca and Jesse Jones offer some illumination into the thoughts and research put into developing this piece of theatre. To part quote their words. “Our work is often inspired by a collective reflection on where we are in our lives as an ensemble. This play comes from a moment of transition within us, as several of us have become parents, and found ourselves navigating the joyful and disorientating shift that brings. It’s a time that reshapes everything: your routines, your relationships, and your sense of who you thought you were. Becoming a parent also has a way of sending you backwards. To your own childhood. Your upbringing. Your relationship with your parents. It asks questions about what you might carry forward, and what you’d rather leave behind….”
Party Season is hilarious, relevant and unexpectedly heart-rending. It showcases the uncomfortable realities of becoming a parent and resonates with many in the audience. The tour runs until May 23rd.
Audience Notices: This production contains Strong Language, Use of Haze, Flashing Lights (no strobes) and Loud Noises throughout.
Photo Credits: Paul Blakemore
