The upcoming Channel 4 program, titled ‘Partygate,’ is set to depict the controversy surrounding the Conservative Party during the COVID-19 pandemic when they held gatherings in violation of lockdown rules. This factual drama, featuring a guest appearance by Jon Culshaw as the voice of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, will provide a dramatic re-enactment of events through the perspective of two fictional Special Advisors, Grace Greenwood (played by Georgie Henley of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ fame) and Annabel D’acre (portrayed by Ophelia Lovibond from ‘W1A’).
The official synopsis for this 85-minute one-off special reads: “Karaoke, suitcases of wine, ambushing cake… this factual drama tells the story of Covid from inside 10 Downing Street as staff kicked back at lockdown-breaching parties.” Produced by the creators of acclaimed dramas like ‘Killed by My Debt,’ ‘The Left Behind,’ and ‘Murdered by My Father,’ ‘Partygate’ aims to skillfully contrast the revelry within the nation’s seat of authority with the challenges and sacrifices endured by the rest of the country.
The cast of ‘Partygate’ includes not only Jon Culshaw but also talented actors such as Phil Daniels, Rebecca Humphries, Hugh Skinner, Charlotte Richie, Craig Parkinson, Tom Durant-Pritchard, Anthony Calf, Alice Lowe, Kimberly Nixon, Alice Orr-Ewing, Naomi Battrick, and Edwin Flay.
While the central characters in ‘Partygate’ are fictional, the drama is primarily grounded in meticulous research of real events within Downing Street. It will incorporate re-enactments, news archive footage, and documentary interviews to provide an accurate portrayal of the events.
‘Partygate’ is scheduled to air on Channel 4 on October 3, 2023, at 9:30 pm. For those unable to catch it live, the program will also be available for on-demand viewing through Channel 4’s online streaming platform, All 4.
