Author: Maeve

Phyllis Logan

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Phyllis Logan headshot

Mini Biography

Born:  11 January 1956, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. 

Phyllis Logan is a renowned actress who carved her path on both the big and small screens. Her journey began in the historic countryside surrounding Paisley, where a spark for the performing arts likely ignited during her formative years.

Phyllis Logan’s passion for acting led her to pursue formal training at the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Her dedication shone through, and she graduated in 1977 with the coveted James Bridie Gold Medal, a testament to her exceptional talent.

Following graduation, Logan gained valuable experience on the stage. The Dundee Repertory Theatre served as her training ground, where she learned the intricacies of live performance.

Logan’s transition to screen acting didn’t take long. Her television debut arrived, and she began captivating audiences with her talent. A breakout role came in the 1983 film “Another Time, Another Place.” Her portrayal of Janie garnered critical acclaim and a BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer.

However, it was television that brought her wider recognition. The role of Lady Jane Felsham in the popular detective series “Lovejoy” (1986-1993) became a defining one. Logan’s portrayal of the elegant and witty Lady Jane entertained viewers for seven seasons, establishing her as a household name in the UK.

The new millennium ushered in another iconic role for Logan. In 2010, she joined the cast of the critically acclaimed period drama “Downton Abbey.” Her portrayal of the stern yet compassionate Mrs. Hughes, the head housekeeper of Downton Abbey, resonated deeply with audiences. Logan’s performance remained a constant throughout the series’ six-season run, earning her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, shared with her fellow cast members.

Beyond her illustrious career, Phyllis Logan shares a personal life rich with love and family. In 2011, she married actor Kevin McNally and together they have a son.

 

BAFTA award

 

WINNER | Film: Most Promising Newcomer To Film for Another Time, Another Place (1984) | Scotland: Actress – TV for Guilt (2022)

 

 

Suggested viewing

 

Downton Abbey (2010)

Downton Abbey (2019)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.7

An aristocratic family and their downstairs staff tackle the societal upheavals of the early 20th century, from the sinking of the Titanic to the rise of modernism. Upstairs, the family grapples with securing their legacy, while downstairs, the servants find love, loss and their own changing roles in a shifting world.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Rob James-Collier.

 

Downton Abbey (2019)

Downton Abbey - Phyllis Logan and Jim Carter poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4

Excitement fills the grand estate as the esteemed Crawley family prepares to host the King and Queen. Upstairs, drama unfolds with a potential scandal, while downstairs, loyal staff grapple with a royal visit’s disruption to their usual routine. As tensions rise, both the family and their devoted servants face a momentous event that will leave their lives forever changed.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Joanne Froggatt, Matthew Goode.

 

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)

Downton Abbey: A New Era

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4

The Crawleys face double duty: a surprise inheritance sends them to the South of France to untangle a family secret, while a silent film crew descends on Downton, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour (and chaos) to the grand estate. Upstairs and downstairs contend with change, both in their personal lives and the evolving world around them.

Top cast: Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Imelda Staunton, Penelope Wilton, Robert James-Collier, Lesley Nicole.

 

Girlfriends (2018)

Girlfriends poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.6

Three lifelong friends, all facing challenges that come with middle age, lean on each other for support. One deals with a sudden disappearance, another fights ageism at work and the last juggles caring for an aging parent with a troubled son. Through laughter and tears, their unwavering bond helps them traverse life’s uncertainties.

Top cast: Phyllis Logan, Miranda Richardson, Zoë Wanamaker, Philip Cumbus, Daisy Head, Adrian Rawlins, Valerie Lilley, Matthew Lewis, Anthony Head, Paula Wilcox, Wendy Craig.

 

Another Time, Another Place (1983)

Another Time, Another Place poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.5

In World War II Scotland, a lonely farmer’s wife finds solace and forbidden love with an Italian prisoner of war. Their passionate connection blossoms amidst wartime restrictions, but their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and the cultural divide.

Top cast: Phyllis Logan, Giovanni Mauriello, Gianluca Favilla, Claudio Rosini, Paul Young, Gregor Fisher, Tom Watson, Jennifer Piercey, Denise Coffey.

More home front

A still from Summerland with Gemma Arterton

 

Lovejoy (1986)

Lovejoy poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

A roguish antiques dealer with a keen eye for treasure uses his cunning and wit to solve mysteries alongside his wealthy patron, a dim assistant, and a perpetually intoxicated friend. They journey through the murky world of auctions and stately homes, righting wrongs and uncovering hidden gems.

Top cast: Ian McShane, Dudley Sutton, Chris Jury, Phyllis Logan, Malcolm Tierney, Caroline Langrishe, Diane Parish, Pavel Douglas, Maggie Ollerenshaw.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

 Phyllis Logan Gallery

 

Terry Jones

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Terry Jones headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 1 February 1942, Colwyn Bay, Wales. 

While his father served in the Royal Air Force, young Terry Jones’s childhood unfolded by the Welsh seaside. His family nurtured a love for the arts, his grandparents managed a local operatic society, a hint of the performer to come.

Education proved to be a springboard for Jones’s talents. At Oxford University’s St Edmund Hall, he switched from English to History, but his true passion emerged on the stage. Here, he met Michael Palin, a friendship that would become the cornerstone of his comedic success.

After graduating, Jones and Palin found their footing in the world of British comedy. They wrote for shows like “Do Not Adjust Your Set” and “The Frost Report,” showcasing a sharp, absurd sense of humour. This very absurdity caught the eye of the soon to be legendary Monty Python crew. In 1969, Jones, alongside Palin, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle and animator Terry Gilliam, unleashed “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” upon the world.

Terry Jones’s contribution to Monty Python went far beyond just writing. He was a master of physical comedy, contorting his face and body to create unforgettable characters. From the shrill-voiced housewife to the nude organist, Jones revelled in the bizarre. He wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, lampooning everything from religion (“Life of Brian”) to history (“Monty Python and the Holy Grail”). His co-writing partnership with Palin yielded some of Python’s most iconic sketches, like the “Four Yorkshiremen” one-upmanship routine.

Beyond Monty Python, Jones thrived, he carved a niche for himself as a writer, penning several books, including well-researched works on medieval history, a subject that had fascinated him since childhood.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.2

King Arthur leads his knights on a surreal quest for the Holy Grail, facing ill-mannered Frenchmen, a killer rabbit and shrubbery-obsessed knights. Their bonkers journey includes awkward bridge crossings, a confusing head-lopping contest and a showstopping musical number from unlikely warriors.

Top cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Connie Booth.

The Meaning of Life (1983)

The Meaning of Life poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5

This musical comedy explores life’s big questions through a series of absurd sketches. Witness childbirth from the mother’s exasperated viewpoint, endure a bizarre sex education class and grapple with organ transplants gone wrong. All the while, the film cleverly dissects life’s stages with dark humour and catchy songs.

Top cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terence Bayler.

 

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)

Monty Python's Life of Brian poster

Bftv 10.0 / IMDb 8.0

Mistaken identity plagues a man born next door to a future messiah. He yearns for a normal life but bumbles into accidental miracles and a devoted following. Roman officials and overzealous rebels add to the chaos as he desperately tries to ditch his newfound fame.

Top cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Carol Cleveland.

 

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969)

Monty Python's Flying Circus poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.8

This sketch comedy show throws logic out the window. From ministerial departments specialising in silly walks to arguments over a deceased parrot, it uses wit and surrealism to skewer social norms and find humour in the utterly bizarre.

Top cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Carol Cleveland, Connie Booth.

 

Monty Python’s and Now for Something
Completely Different (1971)

Monty Python's and Now for Something Completely Different poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 7.5

A nonsensical collection of absurd sketches, this comedy film brings pet shop arguments, killer mice and upper-class twit competitions to the big screen. Prepare for sing-alongs with lumberjacks, philosophical fish slapping and plenty of “Nudge nudge, wink wink.”

Top cast: John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Carol Cleveland, Connie Booth.

 

Erik the Viking (1989)

Erik the Viking poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.1

A thoughtful Viking, weary of a violent world shrouded in eternal twilight, embarks on a quest to find a magical horn. With a ragtag crew and facing absurd obstacles, he journeys to the realm of the gods to plead for peace and restore sunlight to his people.

Top cast: Tim Robbins, John Cleese, Mickey Rooney, Eartha Kitt, Imogen Stubbs, Tsutomu Sekine, Antony Sher, Tim McInnerny, John Gordon Sinclair, Samantha Bond, Jim Broadben, Jim Carter.

 

Medieval Lives (2004)

Medieval Lives poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.3

This comedic documentary series shatters myths about the Middle Ages. Hosted by Terry Jones, each episode explores a different medieval profession, from peasant to knight, revealing a surprisingly vibrant and complex era often overshadowed by misconceptions.

Written and presented by Terry Jones.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

 Terry Jones Gallery

 

Claire Skinner

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Claire Skinner headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 1965, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England. 

Claire Skinner was the youngest daughter of a shopkeeper and an Irish secretary. Skinner battled childhood shyness, however, beneath the surface, a burning ambition flickered. The world of acting called to her and she poured her energy into it, even if it meant neglecting her schoolwork. While she “barely scraped through her A-levels” at Cavendish School, her dedication paid off. She secured a coveted spot at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Upon graduation, she landed a dream role with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Here, she tackled the classics, appearing in productions like “Measure for Measure” and “The Winter’s Tale.”

The 1990s marked a turning point. she landed her first major film role in Mike Leigh’s “Life is Sweet,” a quirky and insightful look at a working-class family. She continued this collaboration with Leigh in his critically acclaimed film “Naked” (1993).

While building her film career, Skinner never abandoned the stage. Her talent was recognised with a prestigious London Critics Circle Theatre Award for Best Actress in 1995 for her performance in “The Glass Menagerie.” But it was television that would propel her to national fame.

In 2000, Claire Skinner landed the role that would define her career: Sue Brockman in the BBC sitcom “Outnumbered.” The show ran for five seasons, depicting the chaotic yet endearing lives of the Brockman family. Skinner’s portrayal of the perpetually exasperated yet loving mother Sue resonated with audiences across the UK. For her performance, she was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance in 2009.

Claire Skinner married actor Charlie Palmer in 2001 and together they had two sons. However, the couple divorced in 2016. She is now in a relationship with her co-star from “Outnumbered”, Hugh Dennis.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Outnumbered (2007)

Outnumbered poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1

A harried couple tackle the daily battles of raising three opinionated children. Between sibling squabbles, school woes and disastrous social events, the parents struggle to maintain their sanity (and dignity) while holding onto the love that binds their chaotic family.

Top cast: Hugh Dennis, Claire Skinner, Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche, Ramona Marquez, Samantha Bond, David Ryall, Rosalind Ayres, Hattie Morahan.

 

Life Is Sweet (1990)

Life Is Sweet poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4

A working-class London family juggles dreams and disappointments. The father pursues a risky food venture, the twins grapple with contrasting outlooks and the mother anchors them all with love and practicality, offering a bittersweet portrait of life’s messy beauty.

Top cast: Alison Steadman, Jim Broadbent, Timothy Spall, Claire Skinner, Jane Horrocks, David Thewlis, Moya Brady, Stephen Read, David Neilson.

 

Naked (1993)

Naked (1993) poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.7

Fleeing a dark act, a volatile man crashes with an ex-girlfriend, embarking on a hostile odyssey through London. He spouts philosophical barbs and targets strangers with his anger, leaving a trail of unease as he searches for meaning or perhaps forgiveness.

Top cast: David Thewlis, Lesley Sharp, Katrin Cartlidge, Claire Skinner, Greg Cruttwell, Peter Wight, Ewen Bremner, Susan Vidler, Gina McKee, Elizabeth Berrington, Toby Jones.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

 Claire Skinner Gallery

 

John Cleese

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John Cleese headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 27 October 1939, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. 

An only child, John Cleese’s early life wasn’t filled with laughter, but it did plant the seeds for his future career. He found humour as a defense mechanism, deflecting bullies with his sharp wit. This experience would later translate into his portrayal of pompous and exasperated characters.

Education played a significant role in Cleese’s life. After attending private schools, he went on to study Law at Downing College, Cambridge. It was here that his comedic talents truly flourished, he became a prominent member of the renowned Cambridge Footlights revue group. This prestigious comedy club launched the careers of several British comedy legends, and Cleese was no exception.

After graduating, Cleese’s career took off. He found success as a scriptwriter for BBC radio’s “The Frost Report,” where he collaborated with another future comedy giant, Graham Chapman. Together, they developed a reputation for sharp satire and witty observation. This partnership would become a stepping stone to even bigger things.

In 1969, Cleese co-founded Monty Python, a revolutionary comedy troupe that defied convention and redefined British humour. Monty Python’s Flying Circus, their anarchic sketch show, became a cult classic. Cleese’s deadpan delivery and iconic characters, like the exasperated Ministry worker or the sardonic salesman, cemented his place in comedy history. Monty Python films like “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and “Life of Brian” further solidified their global influence.

Beyond Monty Python, Cleese carved a successful solo path. He co-wrote and starred in the BBC sitcom “Fawlty Towers,” a hilarious portrayal of a dysfunctional hotel run by the perpetually frustrated Basil Fawlty. Cleese’s portrayal of the character is considered one of the greatest sitcom performances ever. He also appeared in numerous successful films, including “A Fish Called Wanda,” where his comedic talent shone alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline.

Cleese’s personal life has been as colourful as his career. He has been married four times and has two daughters. While fiercely private, he has been open about his struggles with depression and his views on political correctness, which have sometimes landed him in hot water.

John Cleese’s legacy is undeniable. He is a comedic genius who has brought laughter to millions worldwide. From his early days deflecting bullies with humour to his iconic roles in Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, Cleese has left his mark on the world of comedy.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969)

Monty Python's Flying Circus poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.8

The absurdist sketch comedy show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” broke convention with a rapid-fire assault on British life. From ministers battling paperwork to a song celebrating the joy of spam (tinned meat), the Pythons delivered surreal humor, bizarre animation and witty social commentary, forever changing British comedy.

Top cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Carol Cleveland, Connie Booth.

 

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)

Monty Python's Life of Brian poster

Bftv 10.0 / IMDb 8.0

Mistaken for the Messiah, a reluctant revolutionary navigates Roman Judea, dodging overzealous followers, a fanatical revolutionary group and the frustrated Roman governor, all while questioning his newfound fame and grappling with the absurdity of the situation.

Top cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Carol Cleveland.

 

The Meaning of Life (1983)

The Meaning of Life poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 7.5

The Monty Python troupe takes viewers on a surreal, satirical journey through life’s stages, from childbirth and education to middle-aged anxieties and the search for meaning, all punctuated by their signature brand of absurd humour and catchy musical numbers.

Top cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terence Bayler.

 

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.2

King Arthur and his knights embark on a madcap quest for the Holy Grail, encountering bizarre obstacles along the way, from a killer rabbit and rude French men, to a bridge-keeping philosopher and coconut-wielding servants, all delivered with classic Monty Python absurdity.

Top cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Connie Booth, Neil Innes, Carol Cleveland.

 

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

A Fish Called Wanda poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

A diamond heist crumbles into chaos as a gang of double-crossing thieves – a seductive con artist, a volatile weapons expert, a stuttering animal lover and their frustrated barrister – resort to outrageous schemes and romantic entanglements to find the hidden loot.

Top cast: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin, Maria Aitken, Tom Georgeson, Patricia Hayes, Geoffrey Palmer, Cynthia Cleese.

 

Fawlty Towers (1975)

Fawlty Towers poster

Bftv 10.0 / IMDb 8.8

A perpetually exasperated hotelier, his domineering wife and a staff of well-meaning but bumbling employees create a chaotic comedy whirlwind in a seaside hotel as they cope with demanding guests, misunderstandings and Basil’s desperate attempts to maintain a veneer of respectability.

Top cast: John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs, Connie Booth, Ballard Berkeley, Gilly Flower, Renee Roberts, Brian Hall.

 

Clockwise (1986)

Clockwise poster

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.6

A time-obsessed headmaster’s meticulously planned trip to a conference unravels. Missing his train, he commandeers a student’s car, facing escalating mishaps and mounting chaos as he races against the clock, and his increasingly suspicious wife.

Top cast: John Cleese, Sharon Maiden, Penelope Wilton, Alison Steadman, Stephen Moore, Nadia Sawalha, Joan Hickson, John Bardon.

 

Monty Python’s and Now for Something
Completely Different (1971)

Monty Python's and Now for Something Completely Different poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 7.5

“And Now for Something Completely Different” is a sketch comedy film based on the television series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”. It features sketches from the show’s first two series, recreated without an audience for an American audience that hadn’t yet seen the series. The film includes iconic sketches like the “Dead Parrot”, “The Lumberjack Song” and “Nudge Nudge”. Although it initially didn’t break through in the US, it gained a cult following.

Top cast: John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Carol Cleveland, Connie Booth.

 

Erik the Viking (1989)

Erik the Viking poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.1

A peaceful Viking yearning for an end to violence seeks a mythical horn to reach Valhalla and plead with the gods. His quest, filled with eccentric companions and bizarre challenges, becomes a humorous exploration of faith, destiny and the absurdity of perpetual warfare.

Top cast: Tim Robbins, John Cleese, Mickey Rooney, Eartha Kitt, Imogen Stubbs, Tsutomu Sekine, Antony Sher, Tim McInnerny, John Gordon Sinclair, Samantha Bond, Jim Broadbent, Jim Carter.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

 John Cleese Gallery

 

Peter Cook

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Peter Cook headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 17 November 1937, Torquay, Devon, England. 

Peter Cook was a trailblazing figure in British comedy and satire. His father, a colonial civil servant and his mother, a solicitor’s daughter, provided a stable upbringing. Cook’s early years were marked by his sharp wit and creativity, traits that would later define his career.

Not Only... But Also - Peter Cook and Dudley Moore
Not Only… But Also – Peter Cook and Dudley Moore

Cook pursued higher education at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he studied modern languages. It was during his time at Cambridge that he joined the prestigious Footlights Club, a breeding ground for comedic talent. His involvement with Footlights not only developed his comedic skills but also introduced him to future collaborators like Dudley Moore. Cook eventually became the club’s president, a testament to his leadership and talent.

Bedazzled - Peter Cook and Dudley Moore
Bedazzled – Peter Cook and Dudley Moore

Cook’s career took off with the satirical stage revue “Beyond the Fringe,” which he co-created with Moore, Alan Bennett and Jonathan Miller. This ground-breaking show challenged societal norms and established Cook as a leading figure in the satire boom of the 1960s. He later co-founded “The Establishment,” a comedy club in Soho, London, which became a hub for satirical performances. On television, Cook and Moore’s show “Not Only… But Also” showcased their unique comedic chemistry, earning them widespread acclaim. Cook also appeared in films like “Bedazzled” (1967) and “The Wrong Box” (1966).

Despite his professional success, Cook’s personal life was tumultuous. He was married three times and struggled with alcoholism, which affected his health and relationships. Nevertheless, his legacy as a pioneer of modern satire remains intact, inspiring generations of comedians and writers. Cook passed away on January 9, 1995, but his influence on comedy endures.

BAFTA award

WINNER |  Television: Light Entertainment Performance for Not Only But Also… (1965)

 

Suggested viewing
Not Only… But Also (1965)

Not Only... But Also poster

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.4

This original sketch comedy series broke new ground in the 1960s. Two mismatched friends, one pretentious and the other dim-witted, fuelled surreal and satirical sketches alongside absurd celebrity parodies and philosophical debates, all wrapped in a landmark show that redefined British comedy.

Top cast: Peter Cook, Dudley Moore.

 

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (1979)

The Secret Policeman's Ball postet

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9

A star-studded benefit concert for Amnesty International features an illustrious lineup. From musical performances to comedy sketches, characters like a wacky inventor and a suspicious judge (all suspiciously similar to one comedian) come together to raise awareness and funds for human rights.

Top cast: Peter Cook, John Cleese, Eleanor Bron, Rowan Atkinson, Billy Connolly, Michael Palin, Chris Beetles, David Rappaport.

 

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (1970)

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer poster

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.9

A charming young man cons his way into a failing pollster company, quickly taking control and turning it into a political powerhouse. Using public opinion to his advantage, he manipulates the political landscape and climbs the ranks, all while raising questions about power, manipulation and the nature of popularity.

Top cast: Peter Cook, Arthur Lowe, Ann Beach, Ronald Fraser, Desmond Walter-Ellis, John Cleese, Dudley Foster, James Cossins, Valerie Leon, Graham Chapman, Dennis Price, Denholm Elliott, Harold Pinter, Michael Trubshawe.

 

Peter Cook & Co. (1980)

Peter Cook & Co. poster

Bftv ? / IMDb 7.9

A comedic legend returns with a star-studded TV special sketch show. Joined by Monty Python members and other talents, he brings back classic characters and introduces new ones, all through a rapid-fire series of witty and absurd skits.

Top cast: Peter Cook, John Cleese, Beryl Reid, Rowan Atkinson, Terry Jones, Paula Wilcox, Robert Longden.

 

Bedazzled (1967)

Bedazzled poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.8

A down-on-his-luck fellow in 1960s London makes a Faustian bargain with the devil for seven wishes. The devil, however, takes delight in twisting the wishes in hilarious and disastrous ways, forcing the man to choose between happiness and his soul.

Top cast: Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Eleanor Bron, Raquel Welch, Barry Humphries, Robert Russell, Alba, Michael Bates, Michael Trubshawe.

 

Clive Anderson Talks Back (1993)

Clive Anderson Talks Back - Peter Cook

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb ?

Clive Anderson interviews an odd collection of guests: a biscuit inventor with an alien abduction story, a football manager from Scunthorpe, a disgraced judge and a rock legend. They all look remarkably similar to the famous comedian, Peter Cook. S8.E10.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

Terence Stamp

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Terence Stamp poster

Mini Biography

Born: 22 July 1938, Stepney, London, England. 

Terence Stamp was born in London’s East End, his upbringing was a world away from the red carpets and Hollywood premieres he would later walk. The son of a tugboat captain, Stamp’s early years were shaped by working-class resilience and a strong connection to his family, particularly his mother. While his formal education ended after high school, a deep love for cinema ignited by childhood cinema outings fueled a burning ambition for a life on screen.

Billy Budd - Terence Stamp
Billy Budd – Terence Stamp

Despite lacking formal training, Stamp’s undeniable charisma and striking good looks landed him a scholarship to the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. A chance encounter during his second year proved life-changing. Director Peter Ustinov was so impressed by Terence’s raw potential that he cast him in the lead role of his upcoming film, “Billy Budd” (1962). This breakout performance earned Terence an Academy Award nomination and catapulted him into international stardom.

The 1960s became Terence’s defining decade. He embodied the cool sophistication of the era, captivating audiences with his brooding persona and nuanced performances. Films like “The Collector” (1965) and “Modesty Blaise” (1966) showcased his ability to play both dramatic complexity and playful wit.

Terence Stamp’s career continued to flourish throughout the following decades. He seamlessly transitioned between Hollywood blockbusters and independent gems. He brought menacing intensity to the role of General Zod in “Superman II” (1980), a stark contrast to the voice of Jor-El, Superman’s wise father, he provided in the television series “Smallville” (2001).

His versatility shone through in films like “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (1994), a cult classic where he played a transgender performer with flamboyant flair. He never shied away from exploring complex characters, captivating audiences with his depth and emotional range.

Far from the Madding Crowd - Terence Stamp and Julie Christie
Far from the Madding Crowd – Terence Stamp and Julie Christie

Despite his public persona, Terence Stamp has always maintained a certain mystique. He has been married once and remains fiercely private about his personal life. Known for his strong opinions and independent spirit, he has never been afraid to speak his mind. A lifelong advocate for health and wellness, he embraced alternative lifestyles long before they became mainstream.

Terence Stamp’s career spans over six decades. From his meteoric rise as a young heartthrob to his enduring presence as a respected character actor, he has left his mark on cinema. His legacy goes beyond his captivating performances. He challenged conventions, defied stereotypes, and paved the way for a more nuanced portrayal of masculinity on screen. Terence Stamp’s journey is a testament to the power of raw talent, unwavering ambition and a life lived on one’s own terms.

 

Suggested viewing

 

The Hit (1984)

The Hit poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0

A former gangster living a cushy life in Spain is hauled back into the underworld by hitmen tasked with taking him to Paris. The journey, fraught with unexpected twists and dark humour, forces a hardened criminal to confront his past and the hitmen to question their loyalty.

Top cast: Terence Stamp, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Laura del Sol, Fernando Rey, Jim Broadbent, Ken Campbell, Bill Hunter.

 

Billy Budd (1962)

Billy Budd poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.8

A handsome sailor with a stammering innocence is forced into service on a war ship, his optimism clashing with the cynical crew and a sadistic master-at-arms. A false accusation and a moment of rage lead to a tragic choice for the captain, caught between justice and the preservation of order.

Top cast: Terence Stamp, Robert Ryan, Peter Ustinov, Melvyn Douglas, Paul Rogers, John Neville, David McCallum, Ronald Lewis.

 

The Collector (1965)

The Butterfly Collector poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

A lonely man, fixated on a beautiful art student, kidnaps her and imprisons her in his basement. As she fights for survival and sanity, a twisted game of power unfolds, forcing both captor and captive to confront their deepest desires and darkest fears.

Top cast: Terence Stamp, Samantha Eggar, Mona Washbourne, Maurice Dallimore, Kenneth More.

 

Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)

Far from the Madding Crowd

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2

An independent woman inherits a farm, attracting the affections of a devoted shepherd, a gruff bachelor and a reckless soldier. Through love, loss and hard lessons, she follows a path towards self-discovery and finding the right kind of love.

Top cast: Julie Christie, Terence Stamp, Peter Finch, Alan Bates, Fiona Walker, Prunella Ransome, Alison Leggatt, Paul Dawkins.

 

Poor Cow (1967)

Poor Cow poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8

A young working-class woman in London lives a life of hardship and broken relationships. Despite dreams of a better life, she falls into a cycle of abuse and fleeting hope, clinging to motherhood as her one constant.

Top cast: Carol White, Terence Stamp, John Bindon, Queenie Watts, Kate Williams, Bill Dean and Michael Bangerter.

 

Chessgame (1983)

Chessgame poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3

A team of British counter-intelligence agents investigate the suspicious deaths of students, uncovering a web of espionage and Cold War tensions. As they play a dangerous game of deception, they must expose a double agent before it’s too late.

Top cast: Terence Stamp, Carmen Du Sautoy, Robin Sachs, Michael Culver, John Horsley, Oscar Quitak.

Similar to

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy poster (1979)

 

Terence Stamp full filmography @ Wikipedia

Andrea Risborough

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Andrea Risborough headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 20 November 1981, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England. 

Andrea Risborough was raised by working-class parents, her father a car dealer and mother a secretary and beautician, she described them as “Thatcherites”.

She took the stage at the People’s Theatre in Newcastle, playing Celia Fiennes in “Riding England Sidesaddle” by Christopher Goulding. She spent five years as part of the Young People’s Theatre. For her formal education, she attended Newcastle upon Tyne Church High School before heading to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Her dedication paid off as she graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting (H Level).

Andrea Risborough’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. In 2008, she received her first BAFTA nomination for her portrayal of a young Margaret Thatcher in “The Long Walk to Finchley.” This was just the beginning of a string of accolades that would follow.

In British cinema, Risborough has delivered critically acclaimed performances in films such as “Shadow Dancer” (2012), in which she played an IRA informant caught in a dangerous double life.

On the small screen, Risborough has been involved in various British television projects, including the BAFTA-winning drama series “The Devil’s Whore” (2008), where she played the central character, Angelica Fanshawe.

 

Suggested viewing

 

The Devil’s Whore (2008)

The Devil's Whore

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0

Set against the backdrop of England’s Civil War, a fiery woman confronts love, loss and political turmoil. Through marriages to men on opposing sides of the conflict, she challenges societal expectations, seeking her own path amidst a nation at war.

Top cast: Andrea Riseborough, John Simm, Peter Capaldi, Dominic West, Michael Fassbender, Maxine Peake, Tom Goodman-Hill, Harry Lloyd.

 

Shadow Dancer (2012)

Shadow Dancer poster

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.2

Torn between loyalty and desperation, a young mother entangled with the IRA is forced to betray them to protect her child. Working undercover for a government agent, she weaves a dangerous web of deceit, risking everything as she tries to escape the clutches of her past.

Top cast: Clive Owen, Andrea Risborough, Gillian Anderson, Aidan Gillen, Barry Barnes, Maria Laird, Ben Smyth, Brid Brennan.

 

Brighton Rock (2010)

Brighton Rock (2010) poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 5.7

In “Brighton Rock”, a murder mystery set in 1930s Brighton, news reporter Charles Hale faces danger from Pinkie and his gang. Hale’s life hangs in the balance due to a story he wrote about the gang’s deceased former leader, Kite. Meanwhile, Pinkie woos Rose, a plain waitress, to keep her silent about their crimes.

Top cast: Sam Riley, Andrea Risborough, Helen Mirren, John Hurt, Phil Davis, Nonso Anozie, Craig Parkinson, Andy Serkis, Sean Harris, Geoff Bell.

Alternative version

Bright Rock poster

 

Crocodile (2017)

Crocodile poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3

Years after a fatal hit-and-run, a seemingly perfect life crumbles when a new technology allows investigators to access memories. A desperate woman, haunted by her past, embarks on a path of violence to keep her dark secret buried.

Top cast: Andrea Risborough, Kiran Sonia Sawar, Andrew Gower, Anthony Welsh, Claire Rushbrook, Joshua James, Adelle Leonce, Brian Pettifer.

 

Margaret Thatcher: The Long
Walk to Finchley (2008)

Margaret Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley poster

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.1

A young, ambitious woman with a sharp mind tackles the male-dominated world of 1950s British politics. Facing prejudice and party skepticism, she fights for recognition while juggling her burgeoning political career with the challenges of balancing family life.

Top cast: Andrea Risborough, Philip Jackson, Michael Gould, Jonathan Aris, Rory Kinnear, Samuel West, Lydia Leonard, Marcia Warren, Michael Cochrane, Sylvestra Le Touzel.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

Andrea Risborough Gallery

 

Domhnall Gleeson

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Domhnall Gleeson headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 12 May 1983, Dublin, Ireland. 

Domhnall Gleeson is the eldest son of renowned actor Brendan Gleeson, he was surrounded by the world of performance from a young age. While his father’s career flourished, the young Gleeson honed his own talents on stage at Malahide Community School, tackling roles in classics like “Grease” and “King Lear.”

Following his graduation from the Dublin Institute of Technology with a degree in Media Arts, he explored writing and directing short films. At 23, he received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the dark comedy “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” on Broadway. This recognition solidified his talent and opened doors on both sides of the Atlantic.

Domhnall Gleeson’s film debut arrived in 2005 with the Irish feature “Boy Eats Girl.” He soon found himself sharing the screen with his father in several projects, including the Oscar-winning short film “Six Shooter.”

The year 2010 marked a turning point. Domhnall landed the role of Bill Weasley in the final installments of the Harry Potter film franchise. This global phenomenon introduced him to a vast new audience and cemented his place in the hearts of fantasy enthusiasts worldwide. However, Domhnall craved roles that stretched his abilities.

In 2013, he found the perfect vehicle in the time-traveling romantic comedy “About Time.” Here, Gleeson played a charming young man grappling with love, loss and the complexities of time manipulation. The film, both humorous and poignant, showcased his comedic timing and dramatic depth.

Domhnall Gleeson delivered a chilling portrayal of a programmer confronting the unsettling nature of artificial intelligence in “Ex Machina” (2015). The same year, he embodied the ruthless General Hux in the blockbuster “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. He continued to impress audiences with diverse roles in films like “Frank” (2014), “Goodbye Christopher Robin” (2017) and “Alice & Jack” (2023)

Domhnall Gleeson hasn’t neglected his television roots either. He delivered a memorable performance in the haunting “Black Mirror” episode “Be Right Back” (2013).

Domhnall Gleeson and his father are both big fans of Aston Villa, an English premier league football team. Gleeson has been with Irish producer Juliette Bonass since their college days. They tied the knot in 2023 and have collaborated on several projects together.

 

Suggested viewing

 

About Time (2013)

About Time poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

A young man discovers his family possesses the ability to travel through their own past. Initially used to find love, he soon learns that altering time comes with unforeseen consequences, forcing him to grapple with fate, loss and the importance of appreciating life’s fleeting moments.

Top cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie, Lydia Wilson, Lindsay Duncan, Richard Cordery, Joshua McGuire, Tom Hughes, Vanessa Kirby.

 

Be Right Back (2013)

Black Mirror Be Right Back poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 8.0

In this “Black Mirror” episode, a woman grapples with grief after her boyfriend’s sudden death. Presented with a new technology that allows her to communicate with a simulated version of him, she finds solace but soon confronts the limitations of a digital replacement for a real connection.

Top cast: Hayley Atwell, Domhnall Gleeson, Claire Keelan, Sinead Matthews, Flora Nicholson, Glenn Hannington, Tim Delap.

More Black Mirror

Gugu Mbatha-raw, San Junipero

 

Frank (2014)

Frank poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9

An aspiring musician joins a quirky band led by a mysterious frontman who always wears a giant papier-mache head. As they achieve unexpected success, he contends with the band’s unconventional dynamic and the frontman’s hidden identity.

Top cast: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy, François Civil, Carla Azar, Tess Harper, Bruce McIntosh, Hayley Derryberry.

 

Alice & Jack (2023)

Alice & Jack poster

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.8

A couple grapple with the complexities of a sixteen-year relationship, enduring the highs and lows of love, commitment and personal growth. Years after a breakup, a chance encounter rekindles old feelings, forcing them to confront whether their love can withstand the test of time.

Top cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Andrea Riseborough, Aimee Lou Wood, Sunil Patel, Aisling Bea, Millie Ashford, Rachel Adedeji.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

 Domhnall Gleeson Gallery

 

Eve Myles

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Eve Myles headshot

Mini Biography

Born: ” 26 July 1978, Ystradgynlais, Powys, Wales. 

Eve Myles in the heart of Wales, wasn’t your typical aspiring actress. While other children in her profession perhaps dreamt of Hollywood, young Eve harboured a passion for boxing. However, a broken knuckle from a rogue punch redirected her focus. Her interest in storytelling found a new outlet in the Welsh language, though her fluency was limited to basic phrases. This early exposure to her heritage would later influence her career choices.

Education became her new ring. Enrolling at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Myles learnt her craft. Graduating in 2000, she traded the valleys for the bustling streets of London.

Eve Myles’ breakout role arrived in 2000 with the long-running BBC Wales drama series “Belonging.” As Ceri Lewis, she captivated audiences for nine seasons, showcasing her comedic timing and natural charm. This success opened doors, leading her to projects like “Colditz” and “Tales from Pleasure Beach.”

In 2005, fate took an unexpected turn. While filming “Doctor Who,” Myles landed the role of Gwen Cooper, a civilian drawn into the world of the Doctor. Gwen’s down-to-earth personality and unwavering loyalty resonated with fans. This popularity spawned the spin-off series “Torchwood” in 2006.

For five seasons, Myles led the charge as Gwen. “Torchwood” dug deeper into the Doctor Who universe, exploring darker themes with a more adult focus. Gwen’s transformation from ordinary citizen to fearless leader became a defining moment in Myles’ career, solidifying her status as a sci-fi heroine.

Never forgetting her Welsh roots, Myles returned to her heritage in 2017 with the bilingual series “Keeping Faith” (also known as “Un Bore Mercher”). This critically acclaimed drama saw her play Faith Howells, a lawyer navigating motherhood and a web of secrets surrounding her husband’s disappearance.

Married to actor Bradley Freegard since 2013, they share two daughters. A champion for Welsh language programming, Myles supports initiatives that promote its growth.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Torchwood (2006)

Torchwood poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.7

A renegade government agency in Wales tackles the weird and dangerous. Led by an immortal rogue from the future, their team of a cynical genius, a techno whiz and a woman with a mysterious past uses alien tech to defend Earth from extraterrestrial threats and uncover supernatural mysteries lurking beneath Cardiff City.

Top cast: John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Kai Owen, Gareth David-Lloyd, Burn Gorman, Naoko Mori, Tom Price, Paul Kasey, Mekhi Phifer.

Related to

The Sarah Jane Adventures poster     Doctor Who David Tennant poster

 

Keeping Faith (2017)

Keeping Faith poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1

A lawyer’s maternity leave is cut short when her husband vanishes. Juggling motherhood and a dysfunctional police investigation, she uncovers secrets in her seemingly idyllic Welsh town, finding a web of lies that force her to question everything she thought she knew.

Top cast: Eve Myles, Bradley Freegard, Mark Lewis Jones, Hannah Daniel, Aneirin Hughes, Lacey Jones, Demi Letherby, Eiry Thomas, Catherine Ayers.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

 Eve Myles Gallery

 

Anjli Mohindra

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Anjli Mohindra headshot

Mini Biography

Born: 20 February 1990, Edgware, London, England. 

Though  Anjli Mohindra’s birthplace was Edgware, London, she spent part of her childhood in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. A unique experience came during a four-year stint in Germany on a military base. There, as the only ethnic minority child amongst 2,000 students, she developed a strong sense of individuality. Her heritage is a rich tapestry, her parents, both Hindu, have Hindustani origins and Punjabi cultural influences. Notably, her father, raised in colonial Kenya, served in the British Army, adding another layer to her background.

Anjli Mohindra’s passion for performance blossomed early. By the age of twelve, her talent was recognised, and she secured a coveted spot at the Carlton Junior Television Workshops in Nottingham.

Anjli Mohindra’s’s television debut arrived in style. She landed the role of Rani Chandra, an aspiring journalist, in the beloved BBC series “The Sarah Jane Adventures” (2008-2011). This Doctor Who spin-off became a cult classic and Anjli’s portrayal of the intelligent and courageous Rani catapulted her into the hearts of viewers worldwide.

In 2016, she appeared as Detective Constable Josie Chancellor in the ITV crime drama “Dark Heart.” 2021 saw her portray Surgeon Lieutenant Tiffany Docherty in the BBC police procedural “Vigil.” Currently, she’s captivating audiences again as Archie in the Sky science fiction thriller “The Lazarus Project” (2022) and The Red King (2024).

 

Suggested viewing

 

The Red King (2024)

The Red King poster

Bftv? / IMDb?

A disgraced detective is transferred to a remote island steeped in creepy folklore. She uncovers a cold case of a missing teenager, but her investigation takes a dark turn as she gets tangled in the island’s chilling past and a possible present-day cult.

Top cast:Anjli Mohindra, James Bamford, Lu Corfield, Adjoa Andoh, Rosie Sheehy, Sam Swainsbury, Maeve Courtier-Lilley, Mark Lewis Jones, Marc Warren.

Similar to

The Wicker Man poster     The Third Day

 

The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007)

The Sarah Jane Adventures poster

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

Investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith, aided by her adopted son, his friends and an intelligent supercomputer, battles malevolent alien forces on Earth. This child friendly spinoff of “Doctor Who” combines wit, advanced technology and extraterrestrial intrigue to keep our planet safe

Top cast: Elisabeth Sladen, Tommy Knight, Alexander Armstrong, Daniel Anthony, Anjli Mohindra, Yasmin Paige, Joseph Millson, Mina Anwar, Ace Bhatti, Jimmy Vee, Bradley Walsh, Jane Asher, David Tennant, Nicholas Courtney, Katy Manning, Matt Smith.

Related to

Doctor Who David Tennant poster     Torchwood poster

 

Dark Heart (2016)

Dark Heart poster

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.6

A detective haunted by his parents’ unsolved murders leads a team investigating a series of brutal attacks. As the pressure mounts and the crimes become more complex, the line between police officer and vigilante blurs, forcing him to confront the darkness within himself and the case.

Top cast: Tom Riley, Joseph Teague, Anjli Mohindra, Charlotte Riley, Gregg Chilingirian, Tom Brooke, Miranda Raison, Tom Canton, Siggi Holm.

 

The Lazarus Project (2022)

The Lazarus Project - Anjli Mohindra

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3

“The Lazarus Project” is a science fiction television series created by Joe Barton. It revolves around George, who repeatedly wakes up on the same date, only to discover that no one else notices the time loop. He is eventually recruited by the mysterious Lazarus Project, an organisation that prevents apocalyptic threats by manipulating time.

Top cast: Paapa Essiedu, Anjli Mohindra, Rudi Dharmalingam, Caroline Quentin, Tom Burke, Salóme Gunnarsdóttir, Charly Clive, Lukas Loughran, Elaine Tan, Brian Gleeson, Colin Salmon, Zoe Telford.

 

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

 

Anjli Mohindra Gallery