Wolf Hall

Did anyone see the programme about Shakespeares mother the other night which said that the plague reached their village and was three doors away when he was a baby but that they moved him to the country and safety. Just imagine if he'd died .

Yes Tegan I saw that....always liked the historian Michael Wood...he has a nice non theatrical manner.

In the days when he wore jeans Michael Wood had a very nice bum too Shame he got all self concious about it and Started wearing trousers instead.

He really did revolutionise history programmes, didn't he.

I think that either you love Hilary Mantel's writing style or you loathe it, a bit like Marmite! I love it, and the books, and the tv Wolf Hall.Also, the acting all round is so good that I just watch it avidly from start to end.When an episode ends I want to watch the next one right away.Getting speech right is difficult for historical films and books, it merely has to sound right, and be easy to follow.

What are BBC thinking about putting Celebrity Bake Off on BBC1 8.30 to 9.30 tonight and clash with Wolf Hall 9.00 until 10.00 on BBC2.
Grrrrrrrrr
Decisions decisions.

I've been recording each episode and watching it twice roses it lessens the withdrawal symptoms a bit!

Yes; I can watch it a couple of times just for the acting and the sheer beauty of it. However, I haven't read the books and think that I would struggle with the writing style from what I've heard. Just about to watch tonights episode.

I think everything is wonderful about Wolf Hall. As in the books I feel personally connected to the characters. The language makes them accessible and the lighting makes one realise what it was truly like to live with only candles.
The whole thing for me turns on Mark Rylance . it is rare to see such magnetic stillness in actor who at the same time conveys all we need to know by some twitch of the cheek or some set in the eyes. mesmerising. I am fascinated by the way he in particular takes off his hat from the back to avoid soiling the velvet front I presume. But there is a variety emotions expressed each time. Only one more to go. O dear. Get writing please Mrs Mantel though I know it will end in disaster but I shall suffer withdrawal until then.

I love the way that Anne Boleyn says 'Cromwell'...

I am totally involved with the main character, so much so, that I felt sorry for him when Henry shouted in his face, and demeaned him as "the blacksmith's son" ... "from Putney". And then he handled that with dignity. And when Henry asked him to walk with him, I thought "Oh, he is sorry and this is his way of saying so". Only to discover it is all set up now for Cromwell to be a victim of the capriciousness of the King.

In the book it is spelt as she says it Crem-uel. remember she has been living in France

Another great episode.��

I think I have a bit of a crush on Mark Rylance! (Just wish he was a bit taller). I love his eyes - they express so much. Superb acting from everyone. This is the best thing I have seen on TV in years.

Did he take the Royal Party to Wolf Hall because he wanted the King to fall for Jane Seymour, or was he in love with her? I'm assuming the latter.

Some of each I thought, Tegan. His job is to get the king what he wants (an heir) and to replace Anne if that is the way to do it. Anne is not exactly endearing herself to him so he has no loyalty to her. Henry already has his eye on Jane Seymour, so she is the most likely replacement, and a sensible girl who won't act up like Anne. Meanwhile, he has shown every sign of being attracted to Jane himself, so he is not happy about setting her up with Henry.

That's how I see it, anyway, but I have not read the book so there may be another interpretation.

I had worried that Damien Lewis might be too light weight for Henry, but his attack on Cromwell this week was properly frightening. Everyone just seems to be getting better and better.

Sadly Cromwell's story will finish too soon for us to see Lady Rochford get her comeuppance.

Too lightweight physically was my concern but he actually 'acts' like a large man doesn't he?

For once I don't have any criticism about this wonderful production.

The acting is second to none.

Even DH can't fault it.

Just seen on another thread one Gransnetter say she had deleted Wolf Hall

I think the casting in Wolf Hall is spot on, and this week's episode must have had even it's detractors by the throat. I am pleased to see David Robb in this, even if his Wolf Hall character - Thomas Boleyn - is not one you warm to. He's a very versatile actor and I have liked him ever since he appeared in I Claudius. And of course we also see him in Downton. Can't wait for next week except that it will, sadly, be the last.

tegan you've hit the nail on the head. Damian Lewis looms large in the role.

I think you would have to fight janeainsworth and me for him Gagagran !

Can't we just share gilly and jane - seems only fair!

Did we all watch it last night [?]. Can't say I enjoyed it as much as the other episodes. Couldn't really understand how they pinned the evidence on all those men. The execution scene was done so discreetly, and yet was one of the most chilling things I've ever seen; Clare Foye [sp] was superb. How long after that was it that Cromwell himself suffered the same fate?