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New BBC drama on "The Great Fire"

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sweetpotatoboy
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New BBC drama on "The Great Fire"

Post by sweetpotatoboy » Sat July 26th, 2014, 10:08 pm

The Great Fire of London

ITV today confirmed commission of the period drama, The Great Fire of London, written by Tom Bradby (pictured above) and produced for ITV by Ecosse Films.

The scale and ambition of the drama will be immense as the story follows the lives and loves of both historical and fictional characters in a world where, on the surface, the rich have everything and the poor have nothing.

From the humble baker, Thomas Farriner and his family to the ambitious Samuel Pepys and King Charles II, the characters’ stories will interweave as the city, and their lives, are changed beyond imagining during one of our nation’s greatest historical disasters.

Set in 1666 with events unfolding over four consecutive days, the Great Fire indiscriminately engulfs the city, as no matter what your path in life or status all human life is vulnerable.

The fire consumes homes and lives as loyalties and friendships are tested and passions come to the fore. As the greatest city of the 17th century is destroyed, the fire is a catalyst to acts of forbidden love, deceit and despair.

Ultimately, London is changed forever, paving the way for the dawn of a new era, in which modern London will rise from the ashes.

Inspired by the historical events of 1666 and with the decadent backdrop of King Charles II’s court, The Great Fire focuses on the circumstances which led to the catastrophic fire, Thomas Farriner’s family life at the bakery in Pudding Lane, the playboy King’s extravagant lifestyle, and Farriner’s complex relationship with his fictional sister in law, Sarah played by Rose Leslie (Utopia, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey).

Thomas, played by Andrew Buchan,(Broadchurch, Garrow’s Law, Nowhere Boy) is central to the drama which is based upon existing historical knowledge with fictional stories cleverly interwoven and written by successful novelist Tom Bradby, ITN’s Political Editor.

Diarist Samuel Pepys, a close confidante of the King who dared to tell him “he was consumed by the pursuit of pleasure”, will be portrayed by Daniel Mays (Mrs Biggs, Treasure Island, Public Enemies) and his wife Elizabeth is played by Perdita Weeks (The Invisible Woman, Flight of the Storks).

Jack Huston (American Hustle, Boardwalk Empire, Parade’s End) plays the role of King Charles II, whilst Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Dracula, Mr Selfridge, World Without End) is his brother, James Duke of York. Andrew Tiernan (Ripper Street, Foyle’s War, Prisoner’s Wives) plays prisoner Vincent, a forgotten soul languishing in Newgate prison, whilst Antonia Clarke (Lightfields, A Mother’s Son) is Frances Stewart.



http://www.itvmedia.co.uk/highlights/Ne ... mmissioned

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Amanda
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Post by Amanda » Sun July 27th, 2014, 12:21 pm

That sounds great!

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Susan
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Post by Susan » Sun July 27th, 2014, 12:45 pm

Sounds interesting! Perhaps in the USA, PBS will show it on Masterpiece Classic or BBC America will show it.
~Susan~
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Lisa
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Post by Lisa » Sun July 27th, 2014, 6:37 pm

Sounds great! Although I think it's ITV rather than BBC?

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Susan
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Post by Susan » Mon July 28th, 2014, 1:24 pm

[quote=""LadyB""]Sounds great! Although I think it's ITV rather than BBC?[/quote]

Then I guess BBC America is out, but Masterpiece Classic on PBS is still a possibility. That's the show that airs Downton Abbey and Mr. Selfridge.
~Susan~
~Unofficial Royalty~
Royal news updated daily, information and discussion about royalty past and present
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