In a past life, as a drama teacher in various schools, the observational comedies of John Godber were some of the most useful tools for inspiring young people into giving of their best, not only being very witty but also having a “social” edge that raised them above other writing, as well as really well drawn characters, involving each performer in creating several roles at once. One thinks of Bouncers, Teachers and Shakers, but Godber is still writing, staging and directing his own work, one of his most recent being Black Tie Ball, which I was lucky enough to see recently on its tour of Yorkshire.
Harry Petty’s Wrap Party is clearly inspired by Godber’s writing, and is none the worse for that!
Ollie Hart and Harry Warren play two friends who run a cramped catering caravan on a busy film set. One of the best reasons for seeing this play is the detailed set designed by Alfie Frost and Tash Tudor, stage right being the interior of the caravan, complete with coffee machine, oven, fridge, sink and worktops, with the outdoor eating area taking up stage left. So detailed is the set that it would be a great pity if the play did not reappear at other London fringe venues in the coming year, just as Godber’s plays used to tour to village halls all over Yorkshire!
Ollie and Harry work very hard, not only toiling in their mobile kitchen, but also portraying both male and female members of the cast of the film being made, as well as various ‘behind-the-scenes’ personnel, most believably. It is the final day of filming, and they are preparing for the wrap party, the celebration of the completion of shooting the film. All kinds of problems occur, from the boiler not working to Health and Safety concerns, as well as the issue of mushroom soup! Both actors try to extract everything possible from the script, even if this means that, at times, cues are slow, the most successful moments being the various monologues that each is given, for example, one in which Ollie does a three-way conversation with himself. The pace is maintained for much of the eighty-minute running time, but one feels that it is not as amusing as the cast and playwright think it is: almost as if they are trying too hard! It is a shame that there is a great deal of unnecessary, very strong language in the piece, which often seems inappropriate, as well as some stock ‘camp’ characterisations, all of which are inclined to make Wrap Party seem less realistic.
Conor Costelloe’s lighting is unobtrusive, so it gets my vote, and the various kitchen and other sounds have been very believably put together by Lauren Ayton. The introductory video, purporting to be a clip from the movie being made or its trailer, makes a very useful introduction to the proceedings and has been cleverly designed by Toby Everett and Alicia Pocock.
A relaxing, unassuming, enjoyable evening!
Review by John Groves
In their cramped van, Bromley Boys Harry and Ollie keep a film set fuelled – and their dreams brewing. Between A-list orders, surprise inspections and crew complaints, will they stick together or go off-script?
Wrap Party lifts the hatch on life behind the catering counter, in a lightning-quick comedy about friendship, ambition and off-camera chaos.
Cast: Ollie Hart and Harry Warren
Written and directed by Harry Petty
Contributors: Ollie Hart and Harry Warren
Producers: Lucy Ellis-Keeler and Tara Jennett
Set Designers: Alfie Frost and Tash Tudor
Lighting Designer: Conor Costelloe
Sound Designer: Lauren Ayton
Graphic and Digital Media Designer: Luke O’Reilly
Videographer and Stills: Toby Everett
WRAP PARTY
Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London SE4 4DH
11 to 15 November 2025
