Gunpowder (TV series) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gunpowder |
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| Genre | Period drama Thriller |
| Developed by |
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| Written by |
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| Directed by | J Blakeson |
| Starring |
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| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 3 (list of episodes) |
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| Producer(s) | Laurie Borg |
| Cinematography | Philipp Blaubach |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Kudos |
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| Original release | 21 October – 4 November 2017 |
Gunpowder is a British TV show that tells a true story from history. It's a historical drama miniseries, which means it's a short TV show with a story set in the past. This show was made by Kudos and Kit Harington’s Thriker Films for BBC One.
The three-part series first aired in the United Kingdom on 21 October 2017. Later, it was shown in the United States on HBO starting 18 December 2017. The show was created by Ronan Bennett, Kit Harington, and Daniel West. It is based on the famous Gunpowder Plot that happened in London in 1605. Kit Harington, who stars in the show, is actually a direct descendant of the real person he plays, Robert Catesby. J Blakeson was the director for the series.
Contents
The Story of Gunpowder
Gunpowder tells the exciting and tense story of the Gunpowder Plot. This was a real event where a group of English Catholics tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. They wanted to kill King James I and his government. This was because Catholics in England were being treated unfairly at the time.
The main character, Robert Catesby, leads the group. He is a young nobleman who wants to get justice for his family and protect his beliefs. The show follows Catesby and his friends as they plan this daring act. One of the most famous people involved was Guy Fawkes, who was found guarding the gunpowder barrels under Parliament.
Main Characters
Here are some of the main actors and the historical figures they play in the series:
- Kit Harington as Robert Catesby: The leader of the Gunpowder Plot.
- Peter Mullan as Henry Garnet: A Catholic priest who knows about the plot.
- Mark Gatiss as Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury: The King's chief minister, who is trying to stop the plotters.
- Liv Tyler as Anne Vaux: A brave woman who helps the Catholic priests.
- Tom Cullen as Guy Fawkes: The man famous for guarding the gunpowder.
- Derek Riddell as King James I: The King of England at the time of the plot.
How the Show Was Made
The BBC officially ordered the Gunpowder series in February 2017. It was announced that Ronan Bennett, Kit Harington, and Daniel West would develop the show. Ronan Bennett wrote the script. The production company Kudos produced it.
Filming for Gunpowder began in late February 2017. Many real historical places in England were used as filming locations. These included National Trust sites like East Riddlesden Hall and Fountains Abbey. Other famous places like Oakwell Hall, Ripley Castle, and Haddon Hall were also used. Even parts of York City Centre, like Lendal Bridge, were featured. The grand Beverley Minster was used to represent the royal Palace of Westminster.
Episodes Guide
All three episodes of Gunpowder were made available online on BBC iPlayer after the first episode was shown on TV.
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) |
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| 1 | "Episode 1" | J Blakeson | Ronan Bennett | 21 October 2017 | 9.33 | |
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In 1603, Catholics in England faced difficult times. A young nobleman, Robert Catesby, decides he must act to protect his family and faith.
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| 2 | "Episode 2" | J Blakeson | Ronan Bennett | 28 October 2017 | 7.49 | |
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The King's spies are getting closer to Catesby and his friends. Catesby tries to gather support for their plan in Europe. He returns to London with Guy Fawkes and brings his group together. They decide to act quickly, planning their strike for 5 November, when Parliament opens.
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| 3 | "Episode 3" | J Blakeson | Ronan Bennett | 4 November 2017 | 5.25 | |
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The night before 5 November, Catesby, Fawkes, and the others hide barrels of gunpowder under Parliament. Meanwhile, Father Garnet feels pressured to tell about Catesby's plan for the good of the Catholic faith.
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Where to Watch
Gunpowder first aired on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 21 October 2017. It then premiered in the United States on HBO on 18 December 2017.
See also
