‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ review: Russell T Davies’ adaptation is life-affirming

Well, that was gloriously life-affirming, wasn’t it? Maybe it’s the fact that Shakespeare’s comedies, when done well, lead to a freeing of the human spirit.  (When done badly, they’re excruciating.)  Maybe it’s because there is little more delightful on television than hearing Bernard Cribbins sing.  Whatever, that was a more than convivial way of spending … >

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Watch trailer for Russell T Davies’ adaptation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

BBC One has released the first trailer for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has adapted William Shakespeare’s classic play as part of the BBC’s Shakespeare season. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will air at 8.30pm on Monday 30 May on BBC One. Watch the trailer… Maxine Peake and @RealMattLucas star in Russell T Davies’ adaptation of A … >

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Interview: Russell T Davies chats about adapting ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

As part of the BBC’s Shakespeare season, former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has adapted A Midsummer Night’s Dream for BBC One. The 90-minute TV adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic play stars Maxine Peake (Silk) as Titania, Matt Lucas (Little Britain) as Bottom, John Hannah (Atlantis) as Theseus, Eleanor Matsuura (Spooks) as Hippolyta and Hiran Abeysekera (Lion In The Tent) … >

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BBC One orders second season of ‘Ordinary Lies’

Shameless writer Danny Brocklehurst’s drama Ordinary Lies will return for six new episodes next year. The first season launched on BBC One in March, averaging a consolidated audience of over 6 million. > Order Ordinary Lies on DVD on Amazon. Writer and executive producer Danny Brocklehurst commented: “The audience response to the first series of … >

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Cast announced for Russell T Davies’ adaptation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

BBC One has announced a stellar cast for Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies’ upcoming A Midsummer Night’s Dream film. The 90-minute TV adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic play will star Maxine Peake (Silk) as Titania, Matt Lucas (Little Britain) as Bottom, John Hannah (Atlantis) as Theseus, Eleanor Matsuura (Spooks) as Hippolyta and Hiran Abeysekera … >

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‘Ordinary Lies’ Season 1 episode guide

Set in a car showroom, BBC One’s Ordinary Lies is a new six-part drama from Shameless writer Danny Brocklehurst. With drama, tragedy, warmth and humour, each episode focuses on one of the colleagues and friends of JS Motors. From party-loving receptionists, Tracy and Viv, to enigmatic salesman, ‘Paracetemol’ Pete, each new and individual story questions … >

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‘Ordinary Lies’ Episode 5 review: ‘Pete’

Mackenzie Crook’s ‘Pete’ has been spotted fleetingly in background scenes over the past four episodes of Ordinary Lies, but this week he’s centre stage. When two wide boys looking like club bouncers turn up at JS Motors to try out the cream of Mike’s fleet, anyone could see that they were up to no good. … >

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‘Ordinary Lies’ Episode 4 review: ‘Rick’

At JS Motors this week Mike goes one step further for his workforce by opening up his home to mechanic Rick, who’s recently split up with his wife because she likes the curtains fully closed. Mike lives in palatial splendor, or what a footballer’s house in Warrington would look like. His wife Alison and two … >

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‘Ordinary Lies’ Episode 3 review: ‘Kathy’

This week’s installment of Danny Brocklehurst’s Ordinary Lies lets another former Rover’s barmaid show off her acting chops. Sally Lindsay is delicious as Kathy, the busy-body of the motoring world with a secret double life. On the surface Kathy is the dog loving, cardigan wearing, listening at the door with a glass, type of receptionist. … >

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‘Ordinary Lies’ Episode 2 review: ‘Tracy’

Following the lives of the JS Motors employees, this week’s episode of  Danny Brocklehurst’s Ordinary Lies centres around young party loving receptionists Tracy and Viv. The girls jump at the chance to go on an all expenses paid fortnights holiday to the Dominican Republic – in exchange for them bringing back some drugs. Simple. Oh girls, … >

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