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Posh
In an oak-paneled room in Oxford, ten young punks with cut-glass vowels and deep pockets are meeting, intent on restoring their right to rule. Members of an elite student dining society, the boys are bunkering down for a wild night of debauchery, decadence and good wine. Welcome to the Riot Club.
184 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
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October 2, 2016The Raven Boys but 100% douche-ier.
September 20, 2021
Produced at the Royal Court Theatre, London, and opening in April 2010, Posh is a darkly comic satire on the privileged lives of the wealty upper-class elite. In this case the fictional dinner party antics of the notorious Oxford Bullingdon Club - here, The Riot Club. With drinks in full flow things turn sour after a ten-bird roast is served with one bird missing, and a hired prostitute who refuses to play ball after learning she must go down on all 10 (actually 9, as one is homosexual) of the club, leads to a final act of violence. It was suppose to be a night of men behaving, not men behaving badly. Apart from the two females that show up, these posh boys are rowdy, hugely unpleasant, and totally unlikable. That of course, is the point. I got to see the play at my local theatre back in 2019 and the cast put on a great show. Obviously, it was many many times better than reading the text, but when discovering a copy I didn't even know I had buried under a stack of read books, and with an hour or so free before deciding on my next novel, I just thought why not.
February 27, 2015
Terrifying and hilarious. It is about the exploits of entitled rich boys who think they have to claw back control of the world from the hands of the proles. The Riot Club is a dress rehearsal for what the boys will do in government, in business. They talk of how they worked so hard to shape civilization, how their blood was spilt. These speeches read like a parody of Marxist interpretation of history, just with proletariat replaced with "us" - us being the upper classes.
"Got any change?" "No only notes."
"Got any change?" "No only notes."
March 11, 2020
Another review calls this a douche-ier version of The Raven Boys. I am totally on board with that.
Read this as I need to watch the film The Riot Club for a seminar and wanted to see the source text.
Read this as I need to watch the film The Riot Club for a seminar and wanted to see the source text.
May 15, 2018
"Filthy, rich, spoilt, rotten" indeed sums it up.
January 17, 2025
(Had to read this for my literary studies seminar)
It’s clear what the play is trying to do: it lays bare the toxic masculinity and elitism of the upper class in a way that feels deliberately uncomfortable, forcing the audience to confront the ugly truths about the systems these characters represent. And honestly? I get it. I understand how the deliberate unlikability of every single character is crucial to the play’s commentary. They’re not meant to be heroes or even redeemable anti-heroes—they’re reflections of a deeply flawed social structure. That’s the point.
But even knowing all of that, I can’t say I enjoyed reading it. The story felt predictable, like it was walking a straight line to an inevitable conclusion, and by the time I reached the ending, it left me cold—not shocked, not impressed, just…underwhelmed. I can see how the lack of resolution fits with the broader themes, especially the idea that these kinds of people always get away with it, but that doesn’t make it satisfying. If anything, it makes the entire experience feel frustratingly stagnant.
Between the lines, Posh is undoubtedly saying a lot about class dynamics and how power perpetuates itself through generations, but the execution didn’t keep me engaged. Maybe that’s the point too—that these people are exhausting, infuriating, and impossible to root for—but as a reader, I found myself disconnected. It felt like a piece that would pack more of a punch on stage than on paper, where the characters’ chaotic energy and the atmosphere of their self-destruction might feel more visceral.
Ultimately, while I can respect what Wade is doing with Posh, it’s not something I’d return to. Its themes are important, but the experience of reading it left me feeling more exasperated than enlightened.
It’s clear what the play is trying to do: it lays bare the toxic masculinity and elitism of the upper class in a way that feels deliberately uncomfortable, forcing the audience to confront the ugly truths about the systems these characters represent. And honestly? I get it. I understand how the deliberate unlikability of every single character is crucial to the play’s commentary. They’re not meant to be heroes or even redeemable anti-heroes—they’re reflections of a deeply flawed social structure. That’s the point.
But even knowing all of that, I can’t say I enjoyed reading it. The story felt predictable, like it was walking a straight line to an inevitable conclusion, and by the time I reached the ending, it left me cold—not shocked, not impressed, just…underwhelmed. I can see how the lack of resolution fits with the broader themes, especially the idea that these kinds of people always get away with it, but that doesn’t make it satisfying. If anything, it makes the entire experience feel frustratingly stagnant.
Between the lines, Posh is undoubtedly saying a lot about class dynamics and how power perpetuates itself through generations, but the execution didn’t keep me engaged. Maybe that’s the point too—that these people are exhausting, infuriating, and impossible to root for—but as a reader, I found myself disconnected. It felt like a piece that would pack more of a punch on stage than on paper, where the characters’ chaotic energy and the atmosphere of their self-destruction might feel more visceral.
Ultimately, while I can respect what Wade is doing with Posh, it’s not something I’d return to. Its themes are important, but the experience of reading it left me feeling more exasperated than enlightened.
September 25, 2023
this is so fucking gooooooood🤌🤌🤌🤌
August 22, 2015
I don't like reading plays but I made an exception for this because it sounded so interesting.
Its a fictionalised version of the Bullingdon Club which is an exclusive dining club for Oxford students.
What I found strange was how much I ended up pitying the characters. its not because they deserved my sympathy but because they didn't have the slightest understanding about the real world. In a lot of ways the characters were so uneducated in decency and morality its quite frightening. they almost seemed to have the innocence of children because at one point when they can't throw money at their problems they don't understand why.
The ending is particularly disturbing to me because this is something that obviously happens in society and that was the inference of corruption in politics in the UK. It has an important message I think and has made me more aware of how untrustworthy social status is and how elitism is nothing to aspire to.
Its a fictionalised version of the Bullingdon Club which is an exclusive dining club for Oxford students.
What I found strange was how much I ended up pitying the characters. its not because they deserved my sympathy but because they didn't have the slightest understanding about the real world. In a lot of ways the characters were so uneducated in decency and morality its quite frightening. they almost seemed to have the innocence of children because at one point when they can't throw money at their problems they don't understand why.
The ending is particularly disturbing to me because this is something that obviously happens in society and that was the inference of corruption in politics in the UK. It has an important message I think and has made me more aware of how untrustworthy social status is and how elitism is nothing to aspire to.
February 21, 2019
I actually enjoyed this, can't wait to talk about it in my seminar but I thought it was interesting and each character had a distinct personality that was really well written. I would love to see this performed on a stage as it was intended to be.
December 4, 2018
PS Reading Challenge 2018 - #13: Un libro que también es una obra teatral o musical.
Es una obra, no una novela por lo que carece de las sutilezas que hacen de la película algo grandioso. ¿Recomendaría leerla? Nah. ¿Recomiendo ver la película? ABSOLUTAMENTE.
Una historia tan humana (en el mal sentido), que te hace sufrir (en el mal sentido también, o ¿qué creían?) Una oda a la divina simpleza de la clase media.
February 6, 2017
I'm auditioning for this play in a few days, so I thought it'd be a good idea to read the whole script! I really enjoyed it -- it's such an unexpected and shocking play, and an accurate critique on the privileged. I hope I'm able to see it live one day, or if it all goes well, even act in it!
May 6, 2022
I guess tightly-knitted and borderline toxic groups of entitled and murderous friends are just my thing. And if someone ever writes a full-length novel about this I will eat it up like candy because holy fuck I can't get enough of this type of stories.
November 22, 2022
the fact that this is based upon the current government makes it’s even more funny
May 27, 2023
It wasn’t my best read for my course but it was alright ig
November 24, 2025
it made me feel extremely uncomfortable, kudos
May 2, 2024
A good, funny, sharp satire of Britain's ruling elite.
The build-up is a lot longer, and ultimately more satisfying, than the pay-off.
The build-up is a lot longer, and ultimately more satisfying, than the pay-off.
January 3, 2019
I have absolutely no clue how to explain this play.
It takes place in one room of a pub/restaurant where the infamous Riot Club are dining. The moment I started reading this the Riot Club reminded me of the Life and Death Bridgade from Gilmore Girls. But a more arrogant and lewd version. The members constantly whine about how their importance isn't acknowledged and repeatedly harass members of the staff, including forcing one of the waitresses to kiss them. I'm sure it's a fantastic play to analyse, simply because of the numerous cringe inducing moments.
However, it really wasn't one I enjoyed.
www.a-novel-idea.co.uk
It takes place in one room of a pub/restaurant where the infamous Riot Club are dining. The moment I started reading this the Riot Club reminded me of the Life and Death Bridgade from Gilmore Girls. But a more arrogant and lewd version. The members constantly whine about how their importance isn't acknowledged and repeatedly harass members of the staff, including forcing one of the waitresses to kiss them. I'm sure it's a fantastic play to analyse, simply because of the numerous cringe inducing moments.
However, it really wasn't one I enjoyed.
www.a-novel-idea.co.uk
October 28, 2014
3.5 more. I first heard of Laura wade through 'breathing corpses'; my favourite play and now after reading 'Posh' she is becoming one of my favourite playwrights.
I don't have much to say apart from I wish I could've seen it staged.
I don't have much to say apart from I wish I could've seen it staged.
April 24, 2015
The impetus for my reading this is the impending film version, which sounds interesting. Not quite sure how it will translate, but the play itself is both very entertaining and astute about how an elitist attitude colors everything the upper classes touch.
November 10, 2024
this play has a very interesting background but it’s 2024 and I’m tired of reading misogynistic plays where women are treated like an object and men get off with controversial decisions as if it wasn’t a problem
January 2, 2019
Hideous fun. A few boys too many to keep track of though.
October 11, 2022
Laura Wade's posh is an incredible piece of satire, thought provoking and maddening. I rarely give texts 5 stars, but both times I've read this play it has blown me away. Originally, I studied it at university, taught by a brilliantly enthusiastic teacher and I have had the pleasure of rereading it, sharing it with my reading group. This play provokes emotion, real emotion in everyone, it highlights the issues of entitlement, the privileged elite and power of economic, social, and cultural capital.
Wade's social critique manages to be both infuriating yet funny, and at times shockingly outrageous. You don't want to believe people act like this, but unfortunately, you know that they do.
My one quibble? - (there is always one) whats with the random ghost possession scene? I guess that is the magic of theatre, anything can happen. And I would LOVE to see this in theatre.
This is one of those books that are such an important and eye-opening read, calling attention to the Bullingdon Club and the destructive machoculture that dominates UK society.
Wade's social critique manages to be both infuriating yet funny, and at times shockingly outrageous. You don't want to believe people act like this, but unfortunately, you know that they do.
My one quibble? - (there is always one) whats with the random ghost possession scene? I guess that is the magic of theatre, anything can happen. And I would LOVE to see this in theatre.
This is one of those books that are such an important and eye-opening read, calling attention to the Bullingdon Club and the destructive machoculture that dominates UK society.
February 27, 2018
One of my favourite plays.
Although it is rather tongue-in-cheek at times, those are the parts that I like about this play.
I do believe that Wade did push the boundaries a little with the pure disrespect these boys have for the pub owner and premises, including women too, but the outrageous antics only add to the fuel of the fire.
‘How do you make an Eaton mess?’
‘Tell him he only got into Bristol’
Although it is rather tongue-in-cheek at times, those are the parts that I like about this play.
I do believe that Wade did push the boundaries a little with the pure disrespect these boys have for the pub owner and premises, including women too, but the outrageous antics only add to the fuel of the fire.
‘How do you make an Eaton mess?’
‘Tell him he only got into Bristol’
June 16, 2020
An incredibly funny play full of social critique. Laura Wade perfectly captures the snob's perspective and self-justification. The class antagonism is more focused than ever. Some of the characters are a bit too similar but their private school banter is incredibly realistic, giving the play a lot of authenticity. One of the few plays I've watched live before reading, and the text definitely has a lot of dramatic potential.
December 24, 2020
Interesting at times, but never surprising. I'd have liked to see something a bit more subversive or unexpected in this—it gets a bit old to read a bunch of appallingly self-absorbed rich boys get progressively more offensive (for lack of a better word).
That said...I recommend leaning hard into the camp factor here. Accents! Dramatic swagger! Costumes! I'd suggest a drinking game, but that might fall a little close to home in this play...
That said...I recommend leaning hard into the camp factor here. Accents! Dramatic swagger! Costumes! I'd suggest a drinking game, but that might fall a little close to home in this play...
November 19, 2021
Would love to see a performance of this, a group of posh, English former-public school, now Oxbridge students, attend an annual meeting of The Riot Club, a secret society that seems to be devoted to boozing and smashing things up. Certain aspects of the play are really showing its age, with references to Party Rock Anthem and the word 'totes' being particularly cringey. Interesting to note Kit Harington was in the original cast of this.
October 11, 2022
If you know me, you know I love theatre and a bloody good play. ‘Posh’ is a sharp, witty and frighteningly insightful look into young, upper class scholars who thrive in their descent into debauchery. With its dark academia vibes, this play delves into conversation about class difference, financial troubles and how the strong prey on the weak and less fortunate.
Set in a homely pub, the group of boys host their infamous club meeting. A top class dining experience for The Riot Club. But as the alcohol flows and the incessant chattering comes to a head, the dark thoughts in the club members heads come barrelling out.
The language and characters are what makes this play unique, yet familiar. It’s snobby, stuck-up and privileged. Yet, morbidly fascinating and charming. But don’t let this young entrepreneurs fool you. For wherever The Riot Club dines, violence isn’t far behind.
In other words, eat the rich.
(And yes, the film, The Riot Club is based on this play. It was originally called Posh, but they changed the title for release. It holds true to the dark and privileged story of the original script while twisting and highlighting certain aspects of the text in a new way. It’s a fantastic adaptation, highly recommended.)
Set in a homely pub, the group of boys host their infamous club meeting. A top class dining experience for The Riot Club. But as the alcohol flows and the incessant chattering comes to a head, the dark thoughts in the club members heads come barrelling out.
The language and characters are what makes this play unique, yet familiar. It’s snobby, stuck-up and privileged. Yet, morbidly fascinating and charming. But don’t let this young entrepreneurs fool you. For wherever The Riot Club dines, violence isn’t far behind.
In other words, eat the rich.
(And yes, the film, The Riot Club is based on this play. It was originally called Posh, but they changed the title for release. It holds true to the dark and privileged story of the original script while twisting and highlighting certain aspects of the text in a new way. It’s a fantastic adaptation, highly recommended.)
May 13, 2025
"they hate you george" still a hit.
the movie is one of my favorites, so i was worried, but know i shouldn't have been. it was a very good adaptation of a very good source material.
the expansion on their relationships wasn't needed (the play works fine with just the dinner) but it is welcome.
still, play alistair..... you'll always be famous.
the winter knights club coming to ao3 soon hopefully
the movie is one of my favorites, so i was worried, but know i shouldn't have been. it was a very good adaptation of a very good source material.
the expansion on their relationships wasn't needed (the play works fine with just the dinner) but it is welcome.
still, play alistair..... you'll always be famous.
the winter knights club coming to ao3 soon hopefully
August 25, 2025
The Riot (Bullingdon) club. A scary reminder about unchecked and supported power, of echo chambers of anger. How easy it is to fall into a headspace of debauchery, of bad actions when surrounded by others who are there, and to have the support to maintain it.
Yet, people who study at Oxford, and read poetry, who play sport, who know people and eat well and have "good taste". I still feel that these are admirable qualities, their charm is their superpower, much to unpack here.
Yet, people who study at Oxford, and read poetry, who play sport, who know people and eat well and have "good taste". I still feel that these are admirable qualities, their charm is their superpower, much to unpack here.
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