Party Season at Royal and Derngate, Northampton Review
Written by Mia for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are our own
If you ask anyone with small children what their plans are for the weekend, it’s fairly likely that they’ll be taking their kids to a party. Yet despite that particular brand of horror, most people would probably take a lifetime of those parties if it meant they could avoid even one of the dreaded WhatsApp groups…
In Party Season, The Wardrobe Ensemble have taken some of the less desirable parts of being a parent and turned it into a piece that is touching, humorous and highly relatable. It looks at our own insecurities as parents, the choices we make as adults and the awkward interactions we are forced to make with people we barely know.
It’s a clever, well-observed piece with some incredible staging that uses light and sound to show the WhatsApp group messages - including emojis. Coming in at 90 mins without interval, it’s a fraction too long, and the opening scene - magical though it is - could be shortened (too many dad jokes for me) to allow time for other areas left unexplored. Not least, what really happened in Bristol all those years ago?
It’s fascinating (in real life as well as on stage) to watch a diverse group of people forced to interact because their children attend the same school. In this weird microcosm, is it any wonder that personalities, lifestyles and parenting styles clash? Not to mention a WhatsApp faux pas which causes friction, before every parent’s nightmare brings the community together once more.
A true ensemble piece, all cast members are strong, playing multiple characters and ages. The contrast between the kids and the parents is instantly clear, enhanced with minimal use of animal masks and other props. The children’s dancing for musical statues in particular, is highly accurate and very funny.
Yet it’s the adult stories that we follow, as parenthood makes them reflect on their own upbringing. The show also looks at identity and how much of themselves people - especially women - can lose when they have children, as well as the effects of post-natal depression and the reaction to being child-free by choice. There’s a lot to unpack with parenthood, but The Wardrobe Ensemble have handled it with understanding and respect.
A blend of strong characterisation, excellent writing and a vibrant yet simple set, Party Season is a thought-provoking show that deserves attention.
Party Season is embarking on a short Spring UK tour until May 2026. Further information can be found here.
★★★★
