Party: The Complete Series 1-3

A three series comedy drama about a group of idealists setting up their own political party

“Party”, by the comedian Tom Basden, is an astute, stingingly amusing extended sketch about today’s clueless youth

Tim Key (Reader) 
 Tim Key, Stefan Golaszewski, Tom Basden and Lloyd Woolf are the members of the comedy quartet Cowards. They began working as a four-man group in 2004, and had sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2005 and 2006. Their first radio appearance was on the BBC Radio 1 show The Milk Monitors, and they were soon given their first radio series, broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2007. A second series was transmitted in 2008, and a three-part TV series followed on BBC Four in 2009. Nominated for a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Entertainment, it was popular with critics and audiences alike.

All three series of the critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 4 sitcom about a group of young idealists who set up a new political party – plus special Christmas episode 
 
Disillusioned with the capitalist system, five ambitious students set out to make waves and change the face of democracy. Holding their meetings in a garden shed, budding politician Jared, ideas engine Simon, socialist firebrand Mel, image conscious materialist Phoebe and Communications Tsar Duncan wrangle with the modern political machine and attempt to lay the foundations of a new movement. Or they would, if only they had a pen. 
 
From the perils of choosing a party name, leader and constitution to the finer points of foreign policy and climate change, the team contend with the highs and lows of political life while trying to keep their ideals intact. They soon find that changing the world is harder than they thought – especially when dealing with undercooked BBQ sausages, rained-out protest marches, the possible relocation of a key party member and a crucial radio interview. 
 
Also included is a 2018 Christmas special where the wannabe political agitators reunite after a six-year break and once again apply their small minds to big problems. This time, they’re taking on Donald Trump… 
 
Written by Tom Basden (who stars as Simon), Party is based on his 2009 play which won a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival. Also starring are Anna Crilly as Mel, Tim Key as Duncan, Johnny Sweet as Jared and Katy Wix as Phoebe. 
 
Produced by Julia McKenzie 
 
Audio has been updated as of October 2019

Tom Basden

Stefan Golaszewski

Tim Key

Lloyd Woolf

The Complete Series 1-2

The complete series 1 and 2 of the smart and surreal sketch comedy from Tom Basden, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key and Lloyd Woolf. 
 
In this complete collection of BBC Radio 4 series of 'Cowards', a batch of hapless and hopeful nearly-men battle with the challenge of everyday life, doing their very best to meet the demands of the modern world. 
 
Bikes start talking, genies appear that force you to guess what your three wishes are, bridges across the channel are built out of Lego, Parky loses it and a young man tries to audition for Barbara Windsor’s part in 'EastEnders'. 
 
There are also new creatures made from splicing a cow with an apple, social experiments into squatting while on the pull, wedding proposals in PC World, a sightseeing tour around Guantanamo Bay and a Garden of Eden where it rains chocolate and cows sing. Wry, left-field observations and detailed characterisation make this, their BBC Radio 4 series, a joyous and memorable sketch show experience. 
 
 ‘Re-inventing the tired art of sketch comedy... these four are brilliant’ - Observer.

Tom Basden

Books by Tom Basden

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