The Party Girls
The sensational story of the Mitford sisters.
The glamorous Mitford girls cut a glorious swathe through pre-war high society, amidst the glittering world of debutantes and dukes so perfectly evoked in Nancy Mitford’s novels (The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate). But as fascism rises and political storm clouds crackle over carefree country houses, the bonds of sisterhood are threatened by new and treacherous desires.
Amy Rosenthal’s compelling, touching and witty new play explores the true story of a family riven by political extremism, seen through the eyes of Jessica (Decca) Mitford as she battles to stay true to her beliefs, whilst moving further and further from the values of her once-beloved sisters.
Nancy aspires to be a celebrated novelist, Diana and Unity fall for the dangerous, charismatic leaders of the far right in Britain and Germany, and Debo sets her cap at a Duke. Meanwhile Decca crosses continents in her own passionate pursuit of love – but can she ever escape her sisters and her past?
The Party Girls stars Kirsty Besterman (National Theatre’s Macbeth), Joe Coen (Leopoldstadt), Elisabeth Dermot Walsh (Doctors), Emma Noakes (Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Rover), Ell Potter (Cheaters) and Flora Spencer-Longhurst (And Then There Were None).
The Party Girls is the first touring production produced by the Marlowe Theatre and made in Kent. It premieres here before a national tour.
Recommended 12yrs+
This production contains a gunshot, a reference to suicide and explores the theme of antisemitism.
There will be a free touch tour before our audio described performance on Friday 5 September. This event is for blind and partially sighted customers, it provides audio described performance bookers an opportunity to immerse in the world presented on stage by touching parts of the set, props and costumes. Please contact our Box Office to book.
Writing The Party Girls: A Q&A with Amy Rosenthal
Ahead of the world premiere of The Party Girls, join writer Amy Rosenthal to find out how she approached bringing the sensational story of the Mitford sisters to the stage.
We don’t want cost to be a barrier to your involvement in this workshop. When booking your place, you’ll be able to select from a range of prices at a level that you can afford, starting from £5.