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, while 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?

Commenting on the landmark play, Marlowe Theatre chief executive Deborah Shaw said:“ 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’ s play captures the wit of Nancy Mitford’ s novels and tells a cracking love story across continents to a backdrop of the rise of extremism and dangerous populist leaders intent on remaking the world order. The Party Girls, with its great shifts of history seen through a female lens could not be more resonant for our times.”

Writer, Amy Rosenthal, adds:“ When I started researching this play I knew little about the Mitford sisters beyond their notorious affiliations. It began as an inquiry 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.”

Undertaking directing duties is Richard Beecham who concludes:“ 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). It’ s also an honour to be the first touring production to be made by The Marlowe Theatre under Deborah Shaw’ s bold and pioneering leadership.”

Opening at The Marlowe in the first week of September, the production will then begin a national tour. Tickets are on sale now.

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