{{Short description|Australian television series}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}} {{Use Australian English|date=November 2014}} {{Infobox television | image = Party Tricks DVD.jpg | image_size = 250 | caption = Season 1 DVD | genre = {{Plainlist| * Drama * Romance * Political thriller }} | creator = Michael Lucas | developer = | writer = | director = Kate Dennis<br />Emma Freeman | creative_director = | starring = {{Plainlist| * Asher Keddie * Rodger Corser * Angus Sampson * Adam Zwar * Ash Ricardo * Charlie Garber * Doris Younane * Colin Moody * Kaiya Jones * Oliver Ackland }} | theme_music_composer = | open_theme = | end_theme = | composer = Bryony Marks | country = Australia | language = English | num_seasons = 1 | num_episodes = 6 | list_episodes = | executive_producer = Rick Maier<br />Janeen Faithfull | producer = Michael Lucas<br />John Edwards<br />Imogen Banks | editor = Dennis Haratzis | location = Melbourne, Australia | cinematography = John Brawley | camera = | runtime = 60 minutes | company = Endemol Australia<ref name="PartyTricks">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/05/further-cast-announced-for-party-tricks.html|title=Further cast announced for Party Tricks|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=8 May 2014|date=8 May 2014}}</ref> | channel = Network Ten<br>Eleven (Catch-Up) | first_aired = {{start date|2014|10|6|df=y}} | last_aired = {{end date|2014|11|10|df=y}} | related = }}
'''''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.<ref name="PartyTricks2">{{cite web|url=http://www.endemol.com.au/what-we-do/drama/partytricks|title=Party Tricks|publisher=Endemol Australia|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref>
On 3 October 2014 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/oct/03/offspring-cancelled-asher-keddie-plays-beloved-character-for-the-last-time|title=Offspring cancelled: Asher Keddie has played beloved character for last time|date=3 October 2014|work=The Guardian|accessdate=3 October 2014}}</ref>
== 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.
== Conception == On 26 July 2013, Network Ten announced a new drama project from Endemol Australia named ''Party Tricks'', a six-part drama series by the producers of ''Offspring'', ''Puberty Blues'', ''The Secret Life of Us'' and ''Tangle''; John Edwards and Imogen Banks.<ref name="conception">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/06/asher-keddie-rodger-corser-in-new-ten-drama-party-tricks.html|title=Asher Keddie, Rodger Corser in new TEN drama, Party Tricks.|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=8 May 2014|date=26 June 2013}}</ref>
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."<ref name="PartyTricks"/><ref name="conception"/>
== 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."<ref name="PartyTricks"/>
Filming for the first season began on 5 May 2014 and wrapped on 27 June 2014.<ref name=filming>{{cite web|url=http://www.film.vic.gov.au/industry/in-production|title=In production|publisher=Film Victoria|accessdate=8 May 2014|archive-date=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429211058/http://www.film.vic.gov.au/industry/in-production|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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.<ref name="PartyTricks"/>
== Cast == * Asher Keddie as Kate Ballard,<ref name="conception"/> 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,<ref name="conception"/> 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,<ref name="PartyTricks"/> Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party and Interim Opposition Leader * Angus Sampson as Wayne Duffy,<ref name="PartyTricks"/> Press Secretary and Spin Doctor to the Premier * Colin Moody as Geoff Ballard,<ref name="PartyTricks"/> the Premier's Husband * Kaiya Jones as Matilda McLeod,<ref name="PartyTricks"/> McLeod's Daughter * Oliver Ackland as Tom Worland,<ref name="PartyTricks"/> State Political Reporter and Ollie's boyfriend * Doris Younane as Paula Doumani,<ref name="PartyTricks"/> Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport * Charlie Garber as Oliver 'Ollie' Parkham,<ref name="PartyTricks"/> the Premier's Speechwriter * Ash Ricardo as Charlotte Wynn,<ref name="PartyTricks"/> Campaign Director for McLeod * Ryan Powell as Shaggy Mycology<ref name="PartyTricks"/> * Michala Banas as Tanya Keegan<ref>{{cite web|url= http://lmcm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/62d88a6b-be9f-4838-8378-b46f1788bc50.pdf |title= Michala Banas |publisher= Showcast |access-date= 1 July 2014 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140714142120/http://lmcm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/62d88a6b-be9f-4838-8378-b46f1788bc50.pdf |archivedate= 14 July 2014|df= dmy-all}}</ref> * Thomas Campbell as Jonathan<ref>{{cite web|url= http://lmcm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ffc423a0-741c-436d-a349-011fbdc71e6d.pdf |title= Thomas Campbell |publisher= Showcast |access-date= 1 July 2014 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20140714120154/http://lmcm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ffc423a0-741c-436d-a349-011fbdc71e6d.pdf |archivedate= 14 July 2014 |df= dmy-all}}</ref> * Neil Melville as Duncan Guthrie, former President of the Victorian Liberal Party * Gareth Yuen as Lucas Fry, Liberal Party Volunteer * Georgia Bolton as Kez, Kate's Security Detail * Catherine Glavicic as Ann-Marie Dwyer
==Episodes== {{Episode table |background=A42728 |overall= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |viewers= |country=Australian |episodes= {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber = 1 |Title = The Announcement |DirectedBy = Kate Dennis |WrittenBy = Michael Lucas |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|10|6|df=y}} |Viewers = 0.710<ref name=Ratings1>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/10/monday-6-october-2014.html|title=Monday 6 October 2014|last=Knox|first=David|date=7 October 2014|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=13 October 2014}}</ref> |ShortSummary = 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. |LineColor = A42728 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 2 | Title = The Meeting | DirectedBy = Kate Dennis | WrittenBy = Michael Lucas | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|10|13|df=y}} | Viewers = 0.476<ref name=Ratings2>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/10/numbers-swing-against-party-tricks-as-seven-takes-monday.html|title=Numbers swing against Party Tricks as Seven takes Monday|last=Knox|first=David|date=14 October 2014|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref> | ShortSummary = 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. | LineColor = A42728 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 3 | Title = The Launch | DirectedBy = Kate Dennis | WrittenBy = Christine Bartlett | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|10|20|df=y}} | Viewers = 0.407<ref name=Ratings3>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/10/lowest-x-factor-finale-yet-for-seven.html|title=Lowest X Factor finale yet for Seven|last=Knox|first=David|date=21 October 2014|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=23 October 2014}}</ref> | ShortSummary = 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? | LineColor = A42728 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 4 | Title = The Campaign Trail | DirectedBy = Emma Freeman | WrittenBy = Michael Lucas | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|10|27|df=y}} | Viewers = 0.467<ref name=Ratings4>{{cite web|url=http://tvtonight.com.au/2014/10/big-bang-bests-monday.html|title=Big Bang bests Monday|last=Knox|first=David|date=28 October 2014|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=28 October 2014}}</ref> | ShortSummary = As Kate's speechwriter Ollie is struggling to help Kate manage the situation with David, his partner Tom's actions could derail the entire campaign. | LineColor = A42728 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 5 | Title = The Debate | RTitle =<ref name=Episode5>{{cite web|url=http://images.tenplay.com.au/~/media/TV%20Shows/Party%20Tricks/Credits/PARTY%20TRICKS%20105%20CREDITS.pdf|title=PARTY TRICKS 105 CREDITS|publisher=Tenplay.com.au|accessdate=20 October 2014}}</ref> | DirectedBy = Emma Freeman | WrittenBy = Jonathan Gavin | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|11|3|df=y}} | Viewers = 0.430<ref name=Ratings5>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/11/party-tricks-down-ahead-of-ten-upfronts.html|title=Party Tricks down ahead of TEN Upfronts|last=Knox|first=David|date=4 November 2014|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=6 November 2014}}</ref> | ShortSummary = 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? | LineColor = A42728 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 6 | Title = The Election | RTitle =<ref name=Episode6>{{cite web|url=http://images.tenplay.com.au/~/media/TV%20Shows/Party%20Tricks/Credits/PARTY%20TRICKS%20106%20CREDITS.pdf|title=PARTY TRICKS 106 CREDITS|publisher=Tenplay.com.au|accessdate=20 October 2014}}</ref> | DirectedBy = Emma Freeman | WrittenBy = Michael Lucas | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2014|11|10|df=y}} | Viewers = 0.530<ref name=Ratings6>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/11/party-tricks-finale-lifts-australian-story-scores-for-abc.html|title=Party Tricks finale lifts, Australian Story scores for ABC|last=Knox|first=David|date=11 November 2014|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=11 November 2014}}</ref> | ShortSummary = 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? | LineColor = A42728 }} }}
== Ratings == {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Episode ! Title ! Original airdate ! Overnight Viewers ! Consolidated Viewers ! Nightly Rank ! Adjusted Rank |- | style="text-align:center" | 1-01 | style="text-align:center" | The Announcement | style="text-align:center" | 6 October 2014 | style="text-align:center" | 0,710<ref name=Ratings1/> | style="text-align:center" | 0,806<ref name=Consol1>{{cite web|url=http://tvtonight.com.au/2014/10/timeshifted-monday-6-october-2014.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015022838/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/10/timeshifted-monday-6-october-2014.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 October 2014|title=Timeshifted: Monday 6 October 2014|last=Knox|first=David|date=14 October 2014|publisher=TV Tonight|accessdate=20 October 2014}}</ref> | style="text-align:center" | 14<ref name=Ratings1/> | style="text-align:center" | 12<ref name=Consol1/> |- | style="text-align:center" | 1-02 | style="text-align:center" | The Meeting | style="text-align:center" | 13 October 2014 | style="text-align:center" | 0,476<ref name=Ratings2/> | style="text-align:center" | 0,570<ref name=Consol2>{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaspy.org/forum/index.php?/topic/25033-monday-13th-october-2014/|title=Monday 13th October 2014|date=23 October 2014|publisher=Media Spy|accessdate=23 October 2014}}</ref> | style="text-align:center" | <small>Not in Top 20</small> | style="text-align:center" | |- | style="text-align:center" | 1-03 | style="text-align:center" | The Launch | style="text-align:center" | 20 October 2014 | style="text-align:center" | 0,407<ref name=Ratings3/> | style="text-align:center" | 0,484<ref name=Consol3>{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaspy.org/forum/index.php?/topic/25053-monday-20th-october-2014/|title=Monday 20th October 2014|date=28 October 2014|publisher=Media Spy|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> | style="text-align:center" | <small>Not in Top 20</small> | style="text-align:center" | |- | style="text-align:center" | 1-04 | style="text-align:center" | The Campaign Trail | style="text-align:center" | 27 October 2014 | style="text-align:center" | 0,467<ref name=Ratings4/> | style="text-align:center" | | style="text-align:center" | <small>Not in Top 20</small> | style="text-align:center" | |- | style="text-align:center" | 1-05 | style="text-align:center" | The Debate | style="text-align:center" | 3 November 2014 | style="text-align:center" | 0,430<ref name=Ratings5/> | style="text-align:center" | | style="text-align:center" | <small>Not in Top 20</small> | style="text-align:center" | |- | style="text-align:center" | 1-06 | style="text-align:center" | The Election | style="text-align:center" | 10 November 2014 | style="text-align:center" | 0,530<ref name=Ratings6/> | style="text-align:center" | | style="text-align:center" | <small>Not in Top 20</small> | style="text-align:center" | |- |} *<small>Figures are OzTAM Data for the 5 City Metro areas.</small> *<small>Overnight – Live broadcast and recordings viewed the same night.</small> *<small>Consolidated – Live broadcast and recordings viewed within the following seven days.</small>
==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="font-size: 95%;" |- ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col"| Award ! scope="col"| Category ! scope="col"| Nominee ! scope="col"| Result |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2"| 2015 | rowspan="2"| Logie Awards<ref>{{cite news|last=Willis|first=Charlotte|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/awards/heres-the-full-list-of-2015-logies-nominations/story-fn8cjmx5-1227273521488|title=Here's the full List of 2015 Logies nominations|publisher=news.com.au|date=22 March 2015|accessdate=23 March 2015}}</ref> | Most Popular Personality on Australian Television | rowspan="2"| Asher Keddie | {{nom}} |- | Most Popular Actress | {{won}} |- |}
==References== {{reflist}}
Category:Network 10 original programming Category:2010s Australian drama television series Category:2014 Australian television series debuts Category:2014 Australian television series endings Category:Television shows set in Victoria (state) Category:English-language Australian television shows Category:Australian political drama television series Category:Television series by Endemol