Party Games! by Michael McManus

AN YVONNE ARNAUD ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

Party Games! 

Starring Matthew Cottle, Debra Stephenson and Ryan Early

A hilariously acerbic new comedy by Michael McManus, the writer of Maggie & Ted, directed by Joanna Read.

Starring Matthew Cottle (of BAFTA nominated BBC sitcom Game On and Channel 4’s hit comedy The Windsors), Debra Stephenson (Bad Girls, Coronation Street) and Ryan Early (Coronation Street, The Archers), Party Games! puts political leadership on the ledge and goes inside the chaos of government to see whether advisers do advise and if ministers can decide.

This is the UK, 2026, John Waggner newly elected leader of the hastily formed centrist One Nation Party presides over a hung parliament, a discontented electorate and striking cheese makers.

He and his power-hungry MPs must cling onto authority through whatever shaky means possible. Can one man, a Svengali spin doctor and some dodgy data unite the country? And what role can his wife, the King and a large spider play in keeping the lights on?

‘Read’s production hits all the right comic notes’

The Stage (On Sheila’s Island in 2022)

‘a capacious warehouse for the best one-liners and anecdotes from McManus’s own observation’ The Guardian (on Maggie & Ted, 2021)

Age Guidance 12+

Party Games! Ryan Early, William Oxborrow @ Craig Fuller - Copy

Party Games! Debra Stephenson @Craig Fuller - Copy

Party Games! Jason Callender, Matthew Cottle, Natalie Dunne © Craig Fuller (2) - Copy

Party Games! Jason Callender, Matthew Cottle, Natalie Dunne ©Craig Fuller - Copy

Party Games! Krissi Bohn, Matthew Cottle, Jason Callender, Natalie Dunne ©Craig Fuller - Copy

Party Games! Matthew Cottle ©Craig Fuller - Copy

Party Games! Matthew Cottle, Debra Stephenson @Craig Fuller

Party Games! Matthew Cottle, Natalie Dunne @Craig Fuller

Party Games! Matthew Cottle, Ryan Early ©Craig Fuller (2)

Party Games! Matthew Cottle, Ryan Early ©Craig Fuller

Party Games! Natalie Dunne, Matthew Cottle, Debra Stephenson, Ryan Early, Jason Callender ©Craig Fuller

Party Games! Ryan Early, Matthew Cottle ©Craig Fuller (2)

Party Games! Ryan Early, Matthew Cottle, Jason Callender, Natalie Dunne ©Craig Fuller

Party Games! Ryan Early, Matthew Cottle, Krissi Bohn ©Craig Fuller

ACCESS PERFORMANCE:

The performance on Wednesday 26th June at 7.30pm is BSL interpreted.  For the best view of the interpreter please choose low numbered seats towards the front right-hand side of the Stalls (as you face the stage).  For further information or advice please email zoeH@malvern-theatres.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01684 892277 (Monday – Saturday, 10.30am-8pm).

POST-SHOW TALK:

There will be a post-show talk on Thursday 27th June (7.30pm performance) with writer Michael McManus. FREE ADMISSION to ticket holders.