Episode 10: Shooting the Century

1666 and All That

The 17th century has rarely been as popular with film and TV dramatists as 'sexier' periods such as the Tudors, the Romans and the Second World War. But recently, 17th-century stories and characters have emerged from the shadows. Dramas such as Mary & George and Shogun - and the docudrama series Royal Kill List - have attracted large audiences and plenty of media coverage, good and bad.

Miranda and Paul use this 17th-century moment to take an irreverent trawl through past screen attempts to capture the period. Highs have included the movies Cromwell (1970) and Witchfinder General (1968), while 2019's Fanny Lye Deliver'd and Winstanley (1975), about the leader of the Diggers, get a thumbs-down. The jury is split on controversial Oscar-winner The Favourite (2018), as well as many of the TV dramas inspired by 17th-century events.

Ultimately, Paul and Miranda agree that the finest dramatic depiction of the period came not on screen but on stage, in a play about the final days of King Charles I.

'1666 and All That' is presented by Paul Lay and Miranda Malins. The producer is Hugh Costello. Original music is by George Taylor. The episode is mixed by Sam Gunn.