Malvern: Debra Stephenson among the Party Games! cast

Party Games! is by Michael McManus, starring Matthew Cottle, of BAFTA-nominated BBC sitcom Game On and Channel 4’s hit comedy The Windsors, alongside former Coronation Street stars Debra Stephenson and Ryan Early.

It is heading to Malvern Theatres from Tuesday, June 25 until Saturday, June 29.

The show, set in the UK in 2026, opens in Guildford on May 2 before heading around the nation.

Early plays spin doctor Seth Dickens in the play written by McManus who put together Maggie & Ted.

Cottle will be Prime Minister John Waggner and Stephenson is Deputy Leader Lisa Williams. Both are looking forward to returning to Malvern.

Cottle said: “It’s always nice being back in Malvern and walking the hills before or between shows.

“It’s a lovely theatre and a nice part of the country to spend time in.

“I’m always happy when I see the Festival Theatre on a tour schedule.”

Stephenson said: “I love Malvern. I’ve worked at the Festival Theatre before and it’s a really lovely venue. I love the Malvern Hills and my best friend from school is there so it’s going to be fantastic getting to see her.”

Party Games! also features Natalie Dunne as the Prime Minister’s wife, Krissi Bohn as Private Secretary Candice Edwards, Jason Callender as would-be Chief of Staff Luke Roberts and William Oxborrow in multiple roles. McManus was on the inside of party politics, working in Central Office while Margaret Thatcher and John Major were Prime Ministers and as a special adviser to UK ministers between 1992 and 1995.

The play is directed by Joanna Read, the director and chief executive of Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

Waggner, newly-elected leader of the hastily-formed centrist One Nation Party, presides over a hung parliament, a discontented electorate and striking cheesemakers. He and his power-hungry MPs must cling onto authority through whatever means.

Show tickets at the Festival Theatre are available from 01684 892277 or www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.