Partygate Review: Channel 4’s Sixth Form Satire Comes Up Short

Reviewing Partygate: A Missed Opportunity for Meaningful Political Commentary

Partygate, a drama aired on Channel 4, attempts to bring to life the infamous behavior of Downing Street staff during the Covid lockdowns. However, despite its potential, the show falls short of delivering the powerful political satire it aims to achieve. Instead, it resembles a play put on by a sixth-form drama troupe, lacking depth and sophistication.

A Drama Past Its Prime

It’s puzzling why Partygate took so long to reach the screen, as the conversation surrounding politics has evolved since its inception. The focus has shifted to issues like immigration and HS2, which now dominate public discourse. By airing Partygate during the Tory party conference, Channel 4 may have thought it was being clever, but in reality, it missed the mark. The drama no longer resonates with the current political landscape.

One-Dimensional Characters and Forced Satire

The central protagonist of Partygate is Grace Greenwood, a fictional rookie special advisor, brilliantly portrayed by Georgie Henley, known for her role as Lucy in the Narnia films. However, the character seems infatuated with Boris Johnson, played by impressionist Jon Culshaw, who is only ever seen from behind. This cautious approach is wise, considering Kenneth Branagh’s portrayal of the former PM in This England was met with ridicule.

One of the recurring themes in Partygate is poshness, personified by characters like Annabel, played by Olivia Lovibond. While attempting to satirize the upper class, the show’s dialogue falls flat, lacking authenticity and depth. Writer Joseph Bullman aspires to emulate The Thick of It, a successful political satire series, but instead, Partygate feels more like a superficial attempt at class-based comedy.

Furthermore, the drama fails to strike a balance between humor and condemnation. On one hand, it highlights the public’s frustration with the government’s flouting of lockdown rules. On the other hand, it undermines the gravity of the situation by making light of the transgressions through comedy. The inclusion of fictional characters delivering the most cutting lines only reinforces the lack of accountability and seriousness.

The Real Victims Behind the Glamorization

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Partygate is its failure to provide a nuanced perspective on the consequences of the Downing Street parties. While it may be infuriating to know that those in power were partying while everyone else was sacrificing and abiding by the rules, the drama fails to sufficiently capture the pain and suffering experienced by the victims of the pandemic.

One jarring aspect of Partygate is the juxtaposition of fictional characters with real people affected by the pandemic. The inclusion of Ruby Fuller’s mother, whose daughter tragically passed away during lockdown, is a stark reminder of the privileging of fictionalized merriment over genuine human tragedy. This choice ultimately diminishes the impact of the drama, undermining any attempt at meaningful critique.

Opinion: A Call for Meaningful Political Commentary

Partygate, in its endeavor to satirize the actions of Downing Street staff, misses an opportunity to provide nuanced commentary on the political landscape. The show is plagued by one-dimensional characters, superficial humor, and a failure to capture the profound consequences of the parties. It is as if Partygate is content to revel in the scandal, rather than demanding accountability and inspiring meaningful change.

As viewers, we deserve more than a dramatization played for laughs. The victims of the Covid lockdowns, who sacrificed their social lives and livelihoods, deserve a profound examination of the events that unfolded within Downing Street. Only through thoughtful analysis and critique can we hope to hold those responsible to account and effect positive change.

It is crucial for future political dramas to ask the important questions, challenge the status quo, and provide a platform for meaningful dialogue. By doing so, we move beyond farcical portrayals and offer a genuine reflection of the complexities and consequences of political actions.