Party: The Complete Series 1-3

by Tom Basden (Author and Narrator), Anna Crilly (Narrator), Johnny Sweet (Narrator)

All three series of the critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 4 sitcom about a group of young idealists who set up a new political party – plus special Christmas episode

Disillusioned with the capitalist system, five ambitious students set out to make waves and change the face of democracy. Holding their meetings in a garden shed, budding politician Jared, ideas engine Simon, socialist firebrand Mel, image conscious materialist Phoebe and Communications Tsar Duncan wrangle with the modern political machine and attempt to lay the foundations of a new movement. Or they would, if only they had a pen.

From the perils of choosing a party name, leader and constitution to the finer points of foreign policy and climate change, the team contend with the highs and lows of political life while trying to keep their ideals intact. They soon find that changing the world is harder than they thought – especially when dealing with undercooked BBQ sausages, rained-out protest marches, the possible relocation of a key party member and a crucial radio interview.

Also included is a 2018 Christmas special where the wannabe political agitators reunite after a six-year break and once again apply their small minds to big problems. This time, they’re taking on Donald Trump…

Written by Tom Basden (who stars as Simon), Party is based on his 2009 play which won a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival. Also starring are Anna Crilly as Mel, Tim Key as Duncan, Johnny Sweet as Jared and Katy Wix as Phoebe.

Produced by Julia McKenzie

Audio has been updated as of October 2019

6 pages, Audible Audio

First published August 15, 2019

About the author

Tom Basden (b. England, 1980) is a British actor and comedy writer, and a member of the British four man sketch group Cowards. He has written and performed extensively for comedy shows on the BBC and Channel 4 and often collaborates in two-man shows with fellow Cowards member Tim Key.

Basden was educated at King's College School, an independent school for boys in Wimbledon in South West London (in the same year group as actors Khalid Abdalla and Ben Barnes), followed by Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge. He was vice president of the Footlights and his contemporaries included Stefan Golaszewski, Sarah Solemani, Tim Key and Dan Stevens.

Basden's one man show at the 2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Tom Basden Won't Say Anything won the if.comedy award for Best Newcomer. He also starred with Tim Key in the short film The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, which won the UK Film Council Kodak Award for Best British Short Film.
Basden replaced Tim Minchin as the resident musician for the second series of Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better where he appears along with Tim Key and Mark Watson.
He was a guest panellist on the BBC Two programme "Never Mind The Buzzcocks" on Wednesday, 4 November 2009.

In 2011 he wrote There Is A War starring himself and Phoebe Fox for the National Theatre's Double Feature.
In 2012, he appeared as musical side-kick to Key in his Radio 4 programme Tim Key's Late Night Poetry.
From 2010 to 2012 Basden has written and starred in the BBC Radio 4 sitcom Party. It also stars Key, Jonny Sweet, Anna Crilly and Katy Wix and has just finished its third series.

Reviews

[Ravi Teja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough for one time listening. Maybe because I've listened to this audio after listening to Cabin Pressure, which is crazy hilarious, this didn't tickle me much. But I guess it was okay in its own right.

Anyway it's short and sweet and a good companion for your morning runs or the evening walks.