6 October (2014-10-06) – 10 November 2014 (2014-11-10)
Party Tricks was an Australian television political drama/comedy series starring Asher Keddie and Rodger Corser. It premiered on Network Ten on 6 October 2014 at 8:30pm.[2]
On 3 October 2014 along with Offspring, John Edwards confirmed that Party Tricks would not return for a second series in 2015, due to Ten's production division running out of money.[3]
Plot
Kate Ballard (Asher Keddie) is facing her first re-election as State Premier. Committed and rigorous, her victory seems assured until the opposition announce a shocking new candidate: David McLeod (Rodger Corser), a popular media personality, and a man Kate had a secret, tumultuous affair with several years ago. To the world at large, David and Kate present as compelling, evenly-matched adversaries but a paranoid Kate fears that their complicated history is a trump card waiting to be played. Told in six parts, building to an election-night finale, this is a cat-and-mouse game, played out on a grand scale.
Producer, Imogen Banks stated, "Politics, power and sex – what better elements for a big, juicy story? I cannot wait to make it. We're grateful to the country's politicians for living a reality that is far stranger than anything we could dream up. But it's our enormous pleasure to try."[1][4]
Production
Ten's head of drama, Rick Maier stated, "Imogen Banks and John Edwards have brought together the best of the best for this exciting new series, while Michael Lucas has created the perfect star vehicle for Asher and Rodger."[1]
Filming for the first season began on 5 May 2014 and wrapped on 27 June 2014.[5]
The six-part series produced by Imogen Banks and John Edwards for Endemol Australia and Network Ten with the assistance of Screen Australia and Film Victoria. It is created by Michael Lucas.[1]
Cast
Asher Keddie as Kate Ballard,[4] Labor Premier of Victoria and Member of Parliament for Richmond. Former Minister for Planning, Education, and Deputy Premier. Succeeded Rob Hutchens as Premier a year and a half prior to the start of the series.
Rodger Corser as David McLeod,[4] Victorian Liberal Party Leader, Liberal Candidate for Premier, and Candidate for Mount Waverley. Succeeded Neil Thorby as Leader of the Liberals in Victoria. Ultimately succeeds Ballard as Premier.
Adam Zwar as Trevor Bailey,[1] Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party and Interim Opposition Leader
Angus Sampson as Wayne Duffy,[1] Press Secretary and Spin Doctor to the Premier
Colin Moody as Geoff Ballard,[1] the Premier's Husband
State Premier Kate Ballard is shocked when the Opposition reveals its new election candidate David McLeod. Unbeknown to the public, Kate and David share a secret past. Let the games begin.
Petrified of the consequences of their secret coming out publicly, Kate stealthily enlists the help of her trusted speechwriter Ollie to organise a covert meeting with David.
David's teenage daughter steps into the public eye and is caught in a scandal which triggers a media storm. Has his daughter destroyed David's unstoppable popularity and saved Kate's campaign?
Kate is forced to come clean to husband Geoff about her secret past with David. Her confession will either jeopardise her marriage or ruin her chances of an election victory. Which will it be?
Kate's team preps for the big day – Election Day, while across town the exposé and campaign have taken its toll on David. Who will concede defeat and who will lead Victoria in the next term?
