Key Points
- Harry Petty’s play Wrap Party originated from a casual summer BBQ conversation among the writer and cast.
- The play focuses on two main characters, Bromley-born Harry and Ollie, who are long-time creative partners from a local drama club.
- Wrap Party is a character-driven comedy inspired by the duo’s real-life experiences running a small catering van on busy film sets.
- The play features real coffee orders, celebrity encounters, and anecdotes, blending humour and heartfelt storytelling.
- Early versions of the play were workshopped and performed in smaller theatre settings, including Scratch at the Jack and the Etcetera Theatre.
- The story portrays life behind the scenes on a film set, highlighting male friendship, ambition, and the often-overlooked catering crew.
- Produced by You Guys Productions, the play champions South London voices, especially from Bromley.
- The play is scheduled at Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, London, from Tuesday, 11 November to Saturday, 15 November 2025.
What is Wrap Party and Where Did It Originate?
As reported by Harry Petty, the playwright of Wrap Party, the play was born during a summer BBQ conversation between himself and the cast. The idea stemmed from shared stories and experiences that evolved into the development of the character-driven comedy. The play draws on the tight camaraderie of the two main characters, Harry and Ollie, who have been creative partners since they first met at a local drama club at age twelve.
Who Are the Principal Characters and What Is Their Story?
The two principal cast members are a Bromley-born creative duo, Harry and Ollie, described as “joined at the hip” since childhood and reminiscent of the dynamic between Ant and Dec mixed with the humour style of Only Fools and Horses, according to the production notes. Their story revolves around their hectic and often comedic experiences of co-running a cramped catering van on busy film sets. As the caterers keep the film crew fuelled with coffee orders and handle celebrity encounters amidst the chaos of inspections and complaints, the play explores whether their friendship will withstand the pressures they face “off script.”
How Was Wrap Party Developed and Refined Before the Official Shows?
Wrap Party underwent a series of workshops and early performances that contributed to refining its tone, blending sharp humour with heartfelt storytelling. These included a scratch performance at Scratch at the Jack and a rehearsed reading at the Etcetera Theatre in May 2025. These early showings helped shape the script and its delivery to better express the love letter to male friendship, hard work, and the unsung contributors behind the scenes in the film industry.
What Themes Does Wrap Party Explore?
The play lifts the hatch on life behind the catering counter and captures the off-camera backstage chaos, ambition, and friendship involved in the film industry, especially from the viewpoint of the catering crew. It highlights themes of male camaraderie, the challenges of working in the indie film industry setting, and the dreams and aspirations that keep Harry and Ollie striving. The story is more than just comedy; it is also an affectionate tribute to the unsung heroes who keep film sets running smoothly.
Who Is Presenting the Play and What Is Their Mission?
The play is presented by You Guys Productions, a company that champions the voices of South London, particularly proudly representing Bromley-born creatives. Their mission is to deliver productions that evoke laughter, tears, and cheering from audiences in one immersive night.
When and Where Can People Watch Wrap Party?
The show will be staged at Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, located at 410 Brockley Road, London, SE4 2DH. Performances are scheduled from Tuesday, 11 November to Saturday, 15 November 2025.
