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Gunpowder, Treason & Plot facts for kids
| Gunpowder, Treason & Plot | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Jimmy McGovern |
| Directed by | Gillies MacKinnon |
| Starring | Clémence Poésy Kevin McKidd Robert Carlyle Tim McInnerny Emilia Fox Michael Fassbender |
| Music by | John E. Keane |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Cinematography | Nigel Willoughby |
| Editor(s) | Pia Di Ciaula |
| Running time | 205 min (2 parts) |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC Two |
| Original release | 14 March – 21 March 2004 |
Gunpowder, Treason & Plot is a television miniseries from 2004 made by the BBC. It tells the stories of two important historical figures: Mary, Queen of Scots and her son, James VI of Scotland. The series was written by Jimmy McGovern. It explains the events leading up to the famous Gunpowder Plot. The story is split into two parts, with each part focusing on one of the monarchs.
About the Series
The first part of the series shows the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. It focuses on her relationship with her third husband, James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. The role of Mary is played by Clémence Poésy, and Bothwell is played by Kevin McKidd.
The second part of the series is about Mary's son, James VI. Scottish actor Robert Carlyle plays King James. This part mainly focuses on the Gunpowder Plot. This was a plan by Guy Fawkes and others to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Their goal was to remove the Protestant king and bring back a Catholic ruler.
What Happens in the Story?
The first episode begins in 1561. It shows Mary, Queen of Scots, returning to Scotland after living in France. Mary's second husband was Lord Darnley. He was involved in the death of David Rizzio. Mary's son, James I, was Darnley's son. Mary's last husband was Bothwell, who she had been close to for a long time.
The second episode starts in Scotland in 1587. It shows King James I saying that he had reasons to dislike his mother, Mary. This part then moves on to the events of the Gunpowder Plot.
Meet the Cast
Many talented actors brought these historical figures to life:
- Clémence Poésy played Mary, Queen of Scots
- Iona Ruxandra Bratosin played Young Mary
- Carmen Ungureanu played Mary of Guise
- Steven Duffy played Lord James, Mary's half-brother
- Kevin McKidd played Bothwell
- Tadeusz Pasternak played David Rizzio
- Maria Popistașu played Lady Marie
- Catherine McCormack played Queen Elizabeth I
- Gary Lewis played John Knox
- Paul Nicholls played Lord Darnley
- Robert Carlyle played King James I
- Sira Stampe played Anne of Denmark
- Tim McInnerny played Cecil
- Emilia Fox played Lady Margaret
- Michael Fassbender played Guy Fawkes
- Richard Coyle played Robert Catesby
- Richard Harrington played Thomas Percy in episode 2
- Sam Troughton played Thomas Winter in episode 2
How Was it Made?
The miniseries was directed by Gillies MacKinnon. It was filmed in Romania with a crew from Scotland. The writer, Jimmy McGovern, had actually written about the Gunpowder Plot before. He wrote a one-hour play called Traitors for BBC2 in 1990.
More to Explore
- Gunpowder (TV series) – another BBC show about the Gunpowder Plot, starring Kit Harrington.