Quirke

“IT was just like getting a fantastic present.

“It’s so rare to find a crime book that’s so beautifully written and so rich and deep and complex.”

Screenwriter Andrew Davies talking about adapting Benjamin Black’s Quirke novels for BBC1.

The first of three 90-minute Quirke film – Christine Falls – was screened at the BFI in London all of 11 months ago in June 2013, followed by a Q&A.

But as is sometimes the way with TV schedules and dramas that don’t fit into neat one hour slots, the start of the series was delayed until now.

With that first Quirke story on BBC1 at 9pm tomorrow (Sunday May 25).

A Poet In New York: Tom Hollander

“WE all know people who have stood too close to the fire and have died.

“It happened to Philip Seymour Hoffman very recently.”

Tom Hollander reflecting after last night’s premiere screening of A Poet In New York.

A remarkable BBC2 / BBC1 Wales single drama about the final days of Dylan Thomas before his death in 1953, aged just 39.

“IT’S just wonderful.”

Oxford Street, London, 1909. Then one year before.

Mr Selfridge opens its doors for business on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday (January 6).

The beginning of a 10-part series with plenty of drama, romance and sheer fun in store.

American actor Jeremy Piven plays the lead role of Harry Gordon Selfridge, the flamboyant Chicago visionary who invented modern shopping.

(Don’t scroll down if you have yet to see the conclusion)

THE third and final episode of South Riding has just finished on BBC1.

I first saw it a few weeks ago and have watched it again several times since.

A beautiful, haunting last hour of television drama, adapted by screenwriter Andrew Davies from Winifred Holtby’s novel.

Both heartbreaking and uplifting.

With a spellbinding – and hopefully award-winning – performance from Anna Maxwell Martin as Sarah Burton.