REVIEW: WRAP PARTY by Harry Petty at Jack Studio Theatre 11 – 15 November 2025

‘Beautifully observed hilarity’ ★★★★

This two hander was inspired by the creators running a cramped catering caravan on a busy film set and it’s terrific fun. Half the stage (right) comprises a realistic catering kitchen in a capsule so that the actors can run in and out of it, take orders and use the “outside” space which is the rest of the stage. Designers Alfie Frost and Tash Tudor have done a good job with this.



And there’s a lot of beautifully observed hilarity in Harry Petty’s play. This film set is full of outlandish characters with huge egos and Ollie Hart and Harry Warren, both fine performers, play them all with a wide range of voices, the odd hat and a couple of pairs of glasses. At one point Hart does a three way conversation all by himself and it’s very funny.

Yes, we can all sympathise with their having to deal with “Clipboard Claire” who officiously guards health and safety and eventually closes their caravan because someone has put a dog poo bag in the bin. Then there is the customer so entitled she jumps the queue and asks for six ludicrously complicated drinks – a familiar stereotype. Even the elderly director who has an accident in the loo so Olly lends him a pair of trousers has a ring of truth to it. It rattles on with as much realism as romp. And the asides to audience are nicely judged.

And yet, like all good comedies, there are some serious issues underneath to give the play a bit of depth. Harry’s relationship has just broken down and he’s hurting. He and Ollie exasperate each other but the play celebrates the strength of their friendship. It’s Harry’s catering business but he really wants Ollie to work with him. And we feel the dichotomy he faces at the end – until an unexpected piece of information ends the play and we all laugh again.

This entertaining, pleasingly original show runs just over an hour and is well worth catching.

WRAP PARTY Written and directed by Harry Petty

at Jack Studio Theatre 11 – 15 November 2025

BOX OFFICE https://brockleyjack.co.uk/jackstudio-entry/wrap-party/

Cast: Ollie Hart and Harry Warren

Written and directed by Harry Petty

Contributors: Ollie Hart & Harry Warren

Set Designers: Alfie Frost & Tash Tudor

Lighting Designer: Conor Costelloe

Sound Designer: Lauren Ayton

Composer: Josh Tidd

Graphic & Digital Media Designer: Luke O’Reilly

Stills and Videography: Toby Everett & Alicia Pocock

Producers: Lucy Ellis-Keeler & Tara Jennett

Presented by You Guys Productions Ltd.

Photography: Toby Everett