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| Cranford Sunday 18 November 9:00pm - 10:00pm BBC1 1/5 Watching Cranford is like sinking into the most luxurious sofa while elves massage your feet and make you cocoa. It's a warm delight for a chilly November evening: a witty comedy of manners packed with searing social commentary and clever performances from shining acting talents. Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins (both magnificent) as sisters Miss Matty and Miss Deborah Jenkyns lead the gaggle of ladies who are the heartbeat of the Cheshire market town of Cranford. Miss Deborah is the keeper of Cranford's many rules of etiquette and convention (always visit between 12 and 3pm; never stay longer than 15 minutes). She seems forbidding but, as we discover, has a good, kind heart. The pervading snobbery is priceless ("They are clearly not carriage people," sniffs Miss Deborah as new neighbours arrive in a trap) and the ladies fall upon any perceived solecism. Cranford is frequently very funny, but not at the expense of showing the darker side of an England entering one of the most turbulent periods of social change in its history. RT reviewer - Alison Graham VIDEO Plus+: 9741 Subtitled, Widescreen, High definition, Audio-described Cast Miss Matty Jenkyns - Judi Dench Miss Deborah Jenkyns - Eileen Atkins Mr Carter - Philip Glenister Lady Ludlow - Francesca Annis Miss Pole - Imelda Staunton Mrs Forrester - Julia McKenzie Jessie Brown - Julia Sawalha Lord Charles Maulver - Greg Wise Mrs Rose - Lesley Manville Mrs Jamieson - Barbara Flynn Miss Tomkinson - Deborah Findlay Dr Frank Harrison - Simon Woods Rev Hutton - Alex Jennings Captain Brown - Jim Carter Miss Galindo - Emma Fielding Mary Smith - Lisa Dillon Sophy Hutton - Kimberley Nixon Jem Hearne - Andrew Buchan Dr Morgan - John Bowe Harry Gregson - Alex Etel Martha - Claudie Blakley Caroline Tomkinson - Selina Griffiths Mr Johnson - Adrian Scarborough Bella Gregson - Emma Lowndes Bertha - Hannah Hobley Lizzie Hutton - Rosy Byrne Helen Hutton - Hester Odgers Walter Hutton - Haydon Downing Malachi Gregson - Andrew Byrne Margaret Gidman - Bessie Carter |
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| Cranford returning for Christmas Costume drama Cranford is making a comeback in a two-part Christmas special to be screened in 2009. The BBC series will see Dame Judi Dench reprise her role as Miss Matty in the 1840s saga set in a Cheshire town. The show, which is nominated for four Bafta awards, will also see the return of co-stars Imelda Staunton, Julia McKenzie and Francesca Annis. The action will resume a year after the conclusion of the serial, which saw the wedding of Sophy and Dr Harrison. The seasonal special is due to be filmed on location in Wiltshire and London. 'Pool of talent' The programme's executive producer Kate Harwood said: " I am delighted that we are able to bring these much-loved characters back to life for a Christmas special in 2009." She added the show's return would "once again unite an unprecedented pool of talent". The Sunday night drama, which regularly attracted an audience of eight million people, will vie for best drama serial award at the Baftas ceremony on 20 April. Dame Judi Dench and Dame Eileen Atkins will go head-to-head in the best actress category. Dame Eileen played Matty's sister Miss Deborah, who died in an earlier episode of the series. The show is also leading the Bafta craft shortlist with nominations in seven categories. The awards honour people who work behind the scenes in the television industry, with categories including screenwriting and costume design. Story from BBC NEWS: |