The Play That Goes Wrong
Duchess Theatre
from £22
Available nowfrom£33.13
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Matt Forde hosts his hit live podcast at the Duchess Theatre, grilling a different senior political guest each night in this sharp, unscripted West End show.
Every night at the Duchess Theatre, comedian and former political insider Matt Forde takes to the stage to do what he does best: hold power to account while getting the audience laughing. The Political Party began as a live podcast and has grown into one of the most talked-about political comedy events in the country. Now firmly planted in the heart of the West End, it brings the unpredictable world of Westminster directly to a theatre stage.
What sets this show apart is its format. Forde sits down with a genuine heavyweight from British political life for a conversation that is frank, funny and entirely unscripted. The result is something you simply cannot get from a standard stand-up night or a televised interview, a space where politics meets comedy and where the guests often say things they might not say anywhere else.
Because each performance features a different political figure, no two evenings are ever alike. The cast of guests rotates regularly, drawing from across the political spectrum, so whether you attend once or return for multiple shows, you are guaranteed a fresh experience. Guests are announced ahead of each performance, giving audiences the chance to plan around speakers they are particularly keen to hear from.
Forde brings his characteristic quick wit and deep political knowledge to every conversation, asking the questions audiences actually want answered while keeping the atmosphere warm and entertaining throughout. Expect candid behind-the-scenes stories, sharp observations on the week in Westminster and plenty of moments that catch even the guests off guard.
Matt Forde is one of Britain's most distinctive political comedians. His background as a Labour Party adviser gives him an authenticity and insider perspective that few performers can match. He has appeared regularly on television and radio, and his ability to balance genuine political insight with razor-sharp humour has earned him a loyal following well beyond the usual comedy circuit. The Political Party, in its live format, is widely regarded as one of his finest projects.
The Duchess Theatre sits on Catherine Street in Covent Garden, placing it right at the centre of London's West End theatreland. It is a beautifully intimate venue, which makes it perfectly suited to the conversational style of this show. The relatively small auditorium means there is no such thing as a bad seat, and the proximity to the stage adds to the sense that you are witnessing something genuinely live and unfiltered. The theatre is well served by public transport, with Covent Garden, Holborn and Temple stations all within easy walking distance.
The Political Party with Matt Forde runs for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over. Tickets start from £33.13. The show includes an interval, giving you a chance to reflect on the conversation so far and catch up with fellow audience members. Given the rotating guest format and the topical nature of the material, booking in advance is strongly recommended to secure the performance date that suits you best.
You can see availability at tickadoo, built by the founders of London Theatre Direct, for secure booking with instant confirmation and mobile ticket delivery. Select your preferred performance, complete your booking and receive your e-tickets directly by email, ready to use on the night.
The Political Party is a live comedy and conversation show hosted by comedian and former political adviser Matt Forde. Each performance features a different senior figure from British politics joining Forde on stage at the Duchess Theatre for a candid, unscripted and often very funny discussion about life in Westminster and beyond.
The show runs for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes in total, and includes an interval. This makes it a comfortably sized evening out without feeling rushed or overlong.
The guest lineup rotates regularly and features prominent figures drawn from across the British political landscape. Guests are typically announced ahead of each performance, so you can check who is appearing before you book or choose the night that interests you most.
The Political Party is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over. The content is topical and politically themed, so younger children may not find it engaging, but older teenagers with an interest in current affairs are likely to enjoy it alongside adult companions.
The Duchess Theatre is located on Catherine Street in Covent Garden, right in the heart of London's West End. It is easily reached by tube, with Covent Garden, Holborn and Temple stations all a short walk away. The area is also well connected by bus and has good cycling infrastructure nearby.
You can see availability and book securely through tickadoo, built by the founders of London Theatre Direct. Once your booking is confirmed, your e-tickets are sent directly to your email address and can be used on a mobile device on the night of the performance. Tickets start from £33.13.
Cancellation policy. Tickets cannot be refunded, amended or rescheduled
3-5 Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA
Covent Garden, Charing Cross
Charing Cross
1, 4, 6, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77A, 91, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341
NCP Drury Lane, Chinatown (Q Park Scheme), Single yellow lines in Russell Street.

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The Political Party with Matt Forde