Fourth Estate's The Party optioned for TV

Catalyst Global Media has optioned TV rights to The Party, Elizabeth Day’s novel of obsession and betrayal, privilege and hypocrisy, set in the "unassailable" heart of the British establishment.

Charlotte Walls, co-founder and c.e.o. of Catalyst, acquired TV rights in The Party from Jonathan Sissons at Peters Fraser and Dunlop.

The story tells of outsider Martin Gilmour, and his long-standing friendship with the dazzling, popular and wealthy Ben Fitzmaurice. Martin knows something about Ben which he will never tell. At Ben’s 40th birthday party, the great and the good of British society are gathering to celebrate in a haze of champagne, drugs and glamour. Amid the hundreds of guests, Martin once again feels that disturbing pang of not-quite belonging. His wife, Lucy, has her reservations too. But Ben wouldn’t do anything to damage their friendship, or would he?

The book was published by Fourth Estate on 13th July 2017.

Day said: “I'm so delighted to be working with the brilliant team at Catalyst. They're such a dynamic and exciting company and will do an amazing job of bringing The Party to the screen. I love how deeply they understand and care about my book, and the fact they have a kickass female c.e.o.”

Walls said: “An acute observation of Society and a gripping tale about privilege, power and the aching desire to belong, The Party is filled with unforgettable and challenging characters that we know will delight and unsettle its audiences, as it has done its readers.”