MASTERPIECE Studio

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode. For writer Gwyneth Hughes, Mr Bates vs The Post Office is the perfect culmination of her years of experience as a journalist, documentarian, and dramatist. This week, Gwyneth joins us to discuss how she adapted this true story for the screen, and the real-life impact of this drama series as the fallout from the scandal continues to echo in Parliament, the courts, and the halls of power in Britain.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Director Peter Kosminsky worked closely with late author Hilary Mantel to bring the story of Thomas Cromwell’s rise and fall to the screen. Today, he shares his experience working with Hilary, filming on the same Hampton Court Palace flagstones where King Henry VIII once stood, and finally saying goodbye to Thomas Cromwell.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Actor Sir Mark Rylance earned multiple awards for his nuanced portrayal of Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall. He returns to the role in the sequel, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, and explores a more vulnerable side to Henry’s infamous fixer. Today, Mark discusses saying goodbye to this character, the importance of mentors, and the beauty of mystery.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Five of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Screenwriter, and newly minted Oscar winner, Peter Straughan is fascinated by stories of loyalty and betrayal. In Episode Five of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, Cromwell’s loyalty is under question. Today, Peter joins the podcast to discuss adapting and writing this captivating drama series.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Four of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. Actor Damian Lewis is well-known to MASTERPIECE viewers for his iconic roles in The Forsyte Saga and Wolf Hall. He joins the podcast to discuss the sequel, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, and reflects on playing one of the most notorious kings in English history. In Episode 4, King Henry VIII’s health is deteriorating, and there’s threat of invasion from France and Spain, but Henry also gets what he has wanted most of all, a male heir.