'Oh, and whatever you do. Do NOT let Celia add you to the WhatsApp group.'

Three parties, one weekend: it's Party Season. Xander is back in town, and this weekend he's on parenting duty. The kids are in the ball pit; the entertainer is blowing bubbles; the adults gobble Perelló olives and pretend to like each other.

As ancient grudges rear their heads, the tension rises like a helium balloon. Xander, caught between who he was and who he's supposed to be, must decide whether he's going to grow up or just pass the parcel.

Party Season is a razor-sharp comedy about privilege, party rings and the pressures of being a parent. A co-production between The Wardrobe Ensemble, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, and Lowry, it premiered on a UK tour in 2026.

"

'A relatable, silly and charming depiction of the chaos and pressures of parenthood... an absurdist comedy that confidently walks a line between joyous daftness and poignant meditation on parenthood... beautifully calibrated for maximum, heart-rending impact'

"

'A broad comedy of manners about competitive parenting, in the territory of the sitcom Motherland... many sharply observed moments... admirable boldness of vision... it pumps up parental anxiety to bursting point'

"

'Brings into sharp focus some of the often-hidden complexities of parenthood... a play full of unexpected depth, which still offers plenty of opportunities to chuckle'

"

'Touching, humorous and highly relatable... a clever, well-observed piece with some incredible staging... magical... very funny... There's a lot to unpack with parenthood, but The Wardrobe Ensemble have handled it with understanding and respect... excellent writing... a thought-provoking show that deserves attention'

"

'Delivers sharp humour and real poignancy, capturing the chaos and tenderness of new parenthood... You'll be laughing one minute and welling up the next'

"

'Fabulous... Go and see this show: you will laugh until you cry and then realise that this could be about you'