‘I’ve started to wonder, what if it isn’t my sisters at all. It’s me… Some wicked, hateful part of me that thinks some human beings are superior to others, thinks I’m superior.’
The glamorous Mitford sisters once cut a swathe through pre-war high society. But as fascism rises and political storm clouds gather, the bonds of sisterhood are threatened by new and treacherous desires.
Nancy aspires to be a celebrated novelist, Diana and Unity fall for the dangerous, charismatic leaders of the far right in Britain and Germany, and Debo sets her cap at a Duke. Meanwhile, Decca crosses continents in her own passionate pursuit of love – but can she ever escape her sisters and her past?
Compelling, touching and witty, Amy Rosenthal’s play The Party Girls explores the true story of a family riven by political extremism, and asks what it takes to stay true to your beliefs. It premiered in 2025 at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, before touring nationally.
‘Dramatic gold… a cutglass reminder of how little we have managed to learn from history’
— The Times
‘Punchy and shrewd’
— Observer
‘An ambitious biographical play exploring the impact of 1930s politics on the Mitford siblings… avoids dramatic cliché… almost epic in its reach, Rosenthal’s play thrives on the intimacy she creates between the five sisters… offers more than just a history lesson to modern audiences’
— The Stage
‘Punchy and entertaining… a play for our increasingly polarised times’
— WhatsOnStage
‘Shocking and fascinating in equal measure… The Party Girls does a terrific job of digging into the complex lives of each Mitford sister… feels timely, shining a clear spotlight on a fascinating family… surprisingly funny in places, it is a slick character study of those swept up by their starkest and darkest desires’
— Reviews Hub
‘A gripping exploration of one of Britain’s most controversial families… rich in political tension, familial complexity, and tragic poignancy… Amy Rosenthal’s script navigates the intricate and often shocking history of the Mitford sisters with confidence and complexity… emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating… a rare combination of sensitivity and ferocity… a true ensemble piece, with each member of the cast delivering layered, emotionally resonant performances… the payoff is deeply rewarding… an ambitious and beautifully executed new play… a triumph’
— All That Dazzles
‘Brings the Mitford sisters and their world to life beautifully… leaves us with a clear warning about the times we live in now’
— Theatre & Tonic
