Latest news with #ThomasCromwell
Daily Record
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC viewers praise 'sublime' period drama featuring 'greatest living actor'
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, and fans are already raving about the historical drama, which delves into the final years of Thomas Cromwell's life Audiences are enamoured with the "astounding" historical drama set in the era of the Tudors, commending its adherence to historical detail and the "sublime" quality of the acting. BBC's Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light brings to life the novels of Hilary Mantel, chronicling the intriguing latter years of Thomas Cromwell as the lawyer and principal secretary to King Henry VIII. Viewers find themselves captivated by Cromwell's complex life that ultimately leads to his execution by order of the monarch. Taking place in the 1500s, the initial six-part series showcases the zenith of Cromwell's clout before his subsequent disgrace, delving into the fraught tensions between him, the king, and the Royal court. Following Anne Boleyn's infamous execution, the drama unfurls without holding back on the intense intrigue of the era. Having premiered in 2015, the series still garners high praise from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. A fan commented, "Absolutely astounding! This show was incredible, and the performances from the cast made me feel like I was witnessing the actual events that were depicted in the show. All period pieces should use this show as a template because it was amazing in every way. I definitely recommend this for mediaeval and history fans!". A recent Vogue review read: "Rylance is one of our greatest living actors, and the emotions he holds in his face are manifold. His delivery of Mantel's dialogue-modern, intelligent, bristling with implication and subterfuge-is mesmerisingly clear", reports the Express. Mark Rylance's spellbinding portrayal of Thomas Cromwell has profoundly resonated with audiences. His co-star Damian Lewis takes on the role of Henry VIII, with both actors receiving widespread acclaim for their depictions of the storied characters. Echoing this sentiment, a critic said: "An utterly sublime performance by Rylance and Lewis. The whole programme is beautiful." Serving as a second season to the critically acclaimed Wolf Hall, based on Hilary Mantel's novels, there's a consensus that this season may surpass its predecessor. While season one covered Mantel's first two books, 'Wolf Hall' and 'Bring Up the Bodies', the current series adapts her final book and shares its title. Another review reads: "Season 2 of Wolf Hall still has many of the things going for it that made season 1 so good. First and foremost, that would be the strong source material in Hilary Mantel's literature and excellent acting. There is also a strong sense of historical accuracy in some regards, down to the finer details of costume design." Adding to the accolades, a viewer said: "Season 2 is arguably greater than its acclaimed predecessor. Cromwell's middle-aged regrets build poignantly, while brisker pacing and some levity lend the proceedings a teeming liveliness." For those keen on delving into the life of Thomas Cromwell and the reign of King Henry VIII, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light is now ready for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
TV tonight: Jamie Oliver cooks up a new campaign – to help children with dyslexia
9pm, Channel 4Love or loathe him, there's no denying that Jamie Oliver has used his profile more than most to campaign for better opportunities for young people. This time, though, it's personal. Oliver, who has dyslexia, is calling for educational reform to ensure dyslexic children aren't left behind. He speaks to pupils who feel 'stupid, worthless, dumb' as he did, teachers who say training isn't fit for purpose and dyslexic celebrities such as Holly Willoughby. This leads to a meeting with the secretary of state for education, Bridget Phillipson, who is presented with voice notes from dyslexic people: 'I hated being me, I hated school, I hated life.' Is it enough to make change happen? Hollie Richardson 9pm, ITV1This Tudor drama, starring Sean Bean as Thomas Cromwell, first streamed on Disney+ last year. The story is based on CJ Sansom's mystery novel and follows Matthew Shardlake (Arthur Hughes), a lawyer with kyphosis – curvature of the spine – whom Cromwell sends to a Benedictine monastery where a monk has been decapitated. His job is to investigate the murder, shut down the monastery and take control of the assets. But how will the fact that he was rejected from entering the priesthood because of his disability affect this? HR 9pm, BBC TwoIn the final chapter in this wonderful documentary series, Jane is 38 with three published novels. With the country going into deep recession, which worsens her own situation, she sets to work on writing what she sees – and the snobby, unlikable protagonist Emma is put to paper. HR 9pm, ITV2Time flies when you're having fun: this year marks 10 years of Love Island – and what a decade it has been. There isn't too much fiddling with the formula in this latest series, as another group of perfectly sculpted twentysomethings – including a gold trader and a 'water operative' – arrive at the villa to flirt and squabble. Maya Jama presents. Phil Harrison 10pm, Sky ComedyCringe comedy, social experiment or deadpan deconstruction of both? Season two of Nathan Fielder's slippery star vehicle has engaged with the serious topic of aviation safety via some surreal detours. The concluding double bill begins with his attempt to secure congressional attention. But does he plan to go even higher? Graeme Virtue 10.50pm, U&DaveIt's the final episode of this oddly compelling comedy show, in which a studio audience must refrain from laughter to win money. There is something weirdly haunting about a standup performing to a room of blank faces, and as the stakes rise things become surprisingly tense. Katherine Ryan and Amy Gledhill are among the audience tormentors. PH Tennis, Queen's Club, London, 1pm, BBC Two Day one of the women's grass-court tournament.
Telegraph
30-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Surely Cambridge can do better than Gina Miller?
The opportunity not to vote for Sandi Toksvig should never be lightly passed over, so I shall be casting a ballot in the elections for the chancellor of Cambridge. Excitingly, you can do so online, though I'd prefer to be obliged to turn up in person. Browsing through the manifestos is a dispiriting experience. It's not just Sandi whose mission is to further diversity and inclusion; everyone is determined to engage in outreach and brag about being at a state school. But the former host of the News Quiz also makes quite a thing about being a woman: 'The first known chancellor of Cambridge was Richard of Wetheringsett who served sometime between 1215 and 1232. After that we have had a plethora of other Richards, many Johns and an awful lot of Stephens. After over 800 years I wonder if it isn't time for a change?' No, Sandi. Not if it means having a really annoying broadcaster representing the university. Another candidate not to vote for is Gina Miller. She'll go down well in some bits of Cambridge on account of Brexit, but the notion of having someone at the helm who says 'I have spent my life speaking truth to power' is not inviting. I mean, one previous chancellor who really did speak truth to power was Bishop John Fisher and he had his head chopped off. His successor, Thomas Cromwell, was a good fundraiser (another big issue), though unfortunately at other people's expense; he too was quite a name to reckon with. But that's the thing. The list is gloomily unimpressive, from the bloke who wants to 'champion inclusive excellence' (which is either meaningless or contradictory) to the one who declares that 'the university's powerful brand enables it to generate significant income, which ought to be reinvested into its core mission'. Brand? Mission? It's a university, not a business; at least, not wholly, not yet. Or there's the candidate who wants 'flourishment'. Is flourishment a thing? What, exactly, is it? Or how about the one who declares: 'Cambridge is more than a university – it is a living idea. It speaks through the rustle of books in dawn-lit libraries, in the quiet authority of our porters, the resilience of our cleaners and caterers, the curiosity of our students'. Dawn-lit libraries? No undergraduate I know has ever seen a library at dawn. The 'quiet authority' of the porters is funny, and I remember when half had been in the military. Lord (John) Browne, ex-BP, tells us about being a closet homosexual. Do we really need to know? If this selection is indicative of the quality of our public life, let alone our academic life, we have a problem. Hardly anyone on the list is an individual of real substance. I remember when the chancellor was Prince Philip (he was very good at it) and the vice-chancellor was a formidable scientist, Rosemary Murray (who would have been a brilliant chancellor herself). That was more like it. By comparison with past chancellors, from Prince Albert to Stanley Baldwin, our lot are dire. In fact, the Cambridge chancellorship is quite a good way of estimating the kind of establishment we have, and it looks to me like a collection of unfascinating technocrats or media showoffs. It looks then like I shall have to vote for Chris Smith, who pushed it a bit when he said that as Culture Secretary he made all the national galleries and museums free (quite a few were free already) but at least he cared about culture and can write English. But it's a single transferable vote system…Lord knows whom I should pick for the rest of the selection. At least I know whom I'm not voting for; that's a start. Looking at the competition, I have to ask stopped me throwing my hat in the ring?
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Costumes from TV drama go on display in castle
Six costumes worn by the stars of the BBC TV drama Wolf Hall have gone on display at one of the locations used for filming. Scenes for both the first and second series of Hilary Mantel's Tudor trilogy were shot at Berkeley Castle. The exhibition includes outfits worn by actors Mark Rylance, as Thomas Cromwell, and Damien Lewis, as King Henry VIII. "The costume department did such a fantastic job," said visitor business manager Jenny Low. "Parts of the outfits we've got were in the production, and other bits have been added to make it look and present itself as more authentic to the era." More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire "For the gents - the King and Thomas Cromwell - we have their surcoats, which are the great big patterned coats they wore over their outfits. They're incredibly spectacular, with fur lining and things like that," she added. Thomas Cromwell's black surcoat was worn by the actor Mark Rylance throughout the trilogy. Damian Lewis wore a lime green surcoat as Henry VIII, and Summer Richards, as Catherine Howard, the monarch's fifth wife, wore a vivid blue dress in the TV series. Lilet Lesser wore a striking red dress as Lady Mary, the future Queen Mary. Ms Low said: "The costume department have added jewellery and other accessories to create the entire outfits, so it's very historically accurate to the period." Ms Low said the female costumes, including Jane Seymour's nightdress, which was worn by actress Kate Phillips, were "absolutely magnificent to look at". "The same goes for the queens' dresses, which are accessorised so beautifully, they have such intricate detailing and use fabrics that are authentic to the era," she added. A large floor-to-ceiling mural, painted specifically for the BBC production, inspired by a similar one created for Henry VIII at the Palace of Whitehall, provides a stunning backdrop. The exhibition - Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light - runs from 30 March to 30 April every Sunday to Wednesday. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Wolf Hall author Hilary Mantel dies aged 70 Is Cromwell's body buried at this country house? West sites to feature in new series of Wolf Hall Berkeley Castle
BBC News
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Costumes from TV drama Wolf Hall go on display at Berkeley Castle
Six costumes worn by the stars of the BBC TV drama Wolf Hall have gone on display at one of the locations used for for both the first and second series of Hilary Mantel's Tudor trilogy were shot at Berkeley exhibition includes outfits worn by actors Mark Rylance, as Thomas Cromwell, and Damien Lewis, as King Henry VIII. "The costume department did such a fantastic job," said visitor business manager Jenny Low. "Parts of the outfits we've got were in the production, and other bits have been added to make it look and present itself as more authentic to the era." "For the gents - the King and Thomas Cromwell - we have their surcoats, which are the great big patterned coats they wore over their outfits. They're incredibly spectacular, with fur lining and things like that," she added. Thomas Cromwell's black surcoat was worn by the actor Mark Rylance throughout the trilogy. Damian Lewis wore a lime green surcoat as Henry VIII, and Summer Richards, as Catherine Howard, the monarch's fifth wife, wore a vivid blue dress in the TV series. Lilet Lesser wore a striking red dress as Lady Mary, the future Queen Mary. Ms Low said: "The costume department have added jewellery and other accessories to create the entire outfits, so it's very historically accurate to the period." Ms Low said the female costumes, including Jane Seymour's nightdress, which was worn by actress Kate Phillips, were "absolutely magnificent to look at"."The same goes for the queens' dresses, which are accessorised so beautifully, they have such intricate detailing and use fabrics that are authentic to the era," she added. A large floor-to-ceiling mural, painted specifically for the BBC production, inspired by a similar one created for Henry VIII at the Palace of Whitehall, provides a stunning backdrop. The exhibition - Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light - runs from 30 March to 30 April every Sunday to Wednesday.
