The star-studded cast of a political drama is set to hit the stage of Malvern for a five night run later this year.

The world premiere of 'Party Games!', penned by political insider turned playwright Michael McManus, will feature Matthew Cottle and Debra Stephenson.

Mr McManus, the author of 'Maggie & Ted' and former adviser to some of the UK's top political figures, draws from his experiences at central office during Margaret Thatcher and John Major's prime ministership, and as head of Ted Heath's private office from 1995 to 2000.

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The future-set 'Party Games!' presents a UK in 2026.

The narrative follows John Waggner, the newly appointed leader of the One Nation Party, as he attempts to command a hung parliament and a nation discontented and divided.

Prime Minister Waggner, his scheming MPs and an AI must navigate through power struggles anda striking cheesemakers to hold onto authority.

Mr Cottle, known for his roles in 'Chaplin', 'Game On', 'Unforgotten', 'Citizen Khan', and 'The Windsors' plays the role of Prime Minister Waggner.

Meanwhile, Mrs Stephenson, renowned for her performances in 'Playing the Field', 'Bad Girls', 'Coronation Street', 'The Impressions Show' and 'Dead Ringers', steps into the shoes of deputy leader Lisa Williams.

Natalie Dunne, Krissi Bohn, Jason Callender and William Oxborrow round out the cast.

The production is a Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, original, directed by Joanna Read and designed by Francis O’Connor, with lighting handled by Chris Davey.

The final stop of the tour is the Malvern Festival Theatre for a five night run from Tuesday, 25 to Saturday, June 29.

For more information on tickets and timings, you can visit www.malvern-theatres.co.uk or directly contact the Malvern Festival Theatre.