The Party Girls by Amy Rosenthal is set to premiere at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this September, marking the first touring production by the Kent-based theatre. Directed by Richard Beecham, this compelling new play explores the sensational story of the Mitford sisters, capturing the wit of Nancy Mitford’s novels and telling a love story against the backdrop of rising extremism and dangerous populist leaders.
Deborah Shaw, Chief Executive of Marlowe Theatre, expressed her excitement: “When we first read The Party Girls by Amy Rosenthal we knew we had a majorly important, prescient play on our hands and I couldn’t be more delighted to launch Marlowe Theatre Productions with this world premiere. It showcases our commitment to creating world-class theatre in Kent – establishing a new producing base, working with top creatives and fulfilling the potential of this wonderful theatre and its staff team.”
Amy Rosenthal, the writer, shared her thoughts: “When I started researching this play I knew little about the Mitford sisters beyond their notorious affiliations. It began as an enquiry into how a family of aristocratic young women became so violently politicised and polarised, and it turned into a passion project. It’s taken a while for the play to find its rightful production, but in that time its themes have grown increasingly resonant, as the forces of Fascism rise up across the world and Antisemitism proves once again that it was only sleeping. The play also sets out to explore family, identity and love, with humour and ultimately with hope. I’m thrilled beyond words to be collaborating on it with Richard and our fantastic team, to bring our Party Girls to fittingly riotous life.”
Director Richard Beecham added: “I’m thrilled to be directing the world premiere of Amy Rosenthal’s The Party Girls. Amy’s brilliant portrayal of the notorious Mitford sisters explores the present through the past, uncovers the political in the personal, and finds considerable humour amongst all the horror and heartache. And she does it all with the lightest of touches. I’m excited to bring this beautifully written play to life alongside my creative collaborators Simon Kenny (set and costumes), Aideen Malone (lighting) and Adrienne Quartly (sound and composition). And it’s an honour to be the first touring production to be made by the Marlowe Theatre under Deborah Shaw’s bold and pioneering leadership.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
