REVIEW - THE HOUSE PARTY | HOME MANCHESTER | 26/03/2025

Headlong, in collaboration with Chichester Festival Theatre and Frantic Assembly, presents The House Party, a bold reimagining of August Strindberg’s Miss Julie. Adapted by Laura Lomas and directed by Holly Race Roughan, this production reinterprets the classic play through the lens of modern youth culture, setting the drama against the backdrop of an 18th birthday party spiraling out of control. With movement direction by Frantic Assembly’s Scott Graham, the production blends electrifying physicality with raw emotional intensity, offering a fresh and dynamic exploration of privilege, power, and self-destruction

At the heart of The House Party is Julie, a privileged but emotionally volatile young woman whose birthday celebration spirals out of control. Recently dumped, she throws herself into a night of hedonistic excess, seeking comfort in alcohol and reckless behaviour. Her best friend Christine, loyal but increasingly weary, finds herself caught between trying to support Julie and protecting her own future. Meanwhile, Christine’s boyfriend Jon, the son of Julie’s former cleaner, is drawn into the chaos, his ambitions and emotions clouded by Julie’s seductive but destructive influence.

As the drinks flow and inhibitions fade, tensions simmer beneath the surface, threatening to explode. Julie, lost in her own turmoil, tests the loyalty of those around her, manipulating Christine’s friendship and pulling Jon into her web of privilege and power. Christine, who has an important university interview the next day, struggles to resist the pull of the party and the emotional burden of her friendship with Julie. Jon, torn between his past and his aspirations, wrestles with the temptation of a world that has always been just out of his reach. As the night progresses, long-buried grievances and unspoken desires erupt, leading to a devastating climax that will alter their lives forever.

The play’s final moments take a step forward in time, offering a glimpse of the aftermath and the lasting impact of that fateful night. While this epilogue provides some closure, it feels slightly removed from the intense energy of the main story, leaving the audience to reflect on the fragility of friendship, power, and self-worth.

The production thrives on its immersive atmosphere. Loren Elstein’s set design perfectly encapsulates the wealth and excess of Julie’s world, with an opulent kitchen serving as the focal point of the action. The digital clock counting down amplifies the sense of urgency, heightening the drama as the night progresses.

Joseph Hornsby’s dynamic lighting design shifts between the euphoria of the party and the darker, more intimate moments of the story, reinforcing the emotional beats of the play. Maybelle Laye’s costume choices reflect the contrasting personalities of the characters—Julie’s casual but striking outfits exude effortless privilege, while Christine’s attire hints at a more grounded, practical sensibility.

Giles Thomas’ music and sound design deserve a special mention, as the pulsating beats and carefully curated party playlist transport the audience into the heart of the chaos. The energy of the party sequences, combined with Frantic Assembly’s signature movement work, ensures an electrifying experience.

The trio of lead actors delivers compelling performances. Synnøve Karlsen’s portrayal of Julie is both captivating and unsettling; she masterfully embodies the contradictions of a character who is simultaneously vulnerable and manipulative. Sesley Hope shines as Christine, bringing warmth and depth to a role that serves as the emotional anchor of the play. Tom Lewis, as Jon, balances charm and insecurity, making his character’s arc all the more tragic.

The supporting ensemble, drawn from Frantic Assembly’s Ignite programme, adds an extra layer of dynamism. Their acrobatic, high-energy movements create a tangible sense of the party’s escalating intensity, while their presence also emphasises Julie’s isolation amid the crowd.

The House Party is a bold and visually stunning re-imagining of Miss Julie, successfully modernising its themes for a contemporary audience. While its high-energy spectacle is gripping, some of the emotional depth is occasionally overshadowed. The final act, set ten years later, offers an intriguing reflection on the characters’ fates, though it feels somewhat disconnected from the main drama. Nevertheless, the outstanding performances, striking visuals, and immersive movement sequences create an engaging and thought-provoking experience. A solid four-star production that lingers in the mind long after the party ends.

The House Party is at Home Manchester until Saturday 29th March 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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Photo Credit - Ikin Yum

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.