History TV and radio: what’s on next week? (16–22 February 2019)
Can't decide which shows to watch or listen to over the next seven days? Here are 10 history radio and TV programmes airing in the UK that you won't want to miss...
And the Academy Award Goes To…
BBC Radio 4
Saturday 16 February, 10.30am
It’s Oscar season. Cue the return of the series where Paul Gambacinni traces the story behind films that took the Best Picture gong, beginning with Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. There’s more Academy Award history in Mark Kermode’s Oscar Winners: A Secrets Of Cinema Special (BBC Four, Thursday 21 February, 9pm).
Pick of the week
Drama: China Towns
BBC Radio 4
Saturday 16 February, 2.30pm
The Five Towns novels of Arnold Bennett (1867–1931) tell a sprawling story of life in the Potteries during the industrial revolution. Here, they receive an adaptation by Shaun McKenna and Lin Coghlan that stretches across 11 episodes. First up, Edwin Clayhanger dreams of becoming a painter. Starring Neil Dudgeon and Tim McInnerny. (Continues Sunday 17 February, 3pm.)
The Archive Hour: Bent Coppers
BBC Radio 4
Saturday 16 February, 8pm
Author Jake Arnott traces the history of police corruption, a recurring theme in his novels, and hears tales of failed murder investigations and whistleblowers enduring blighted lives. Interviewees include Steve Noonan, from the independent Office for Police Conduct, sociologist Sarah Moore and dramatist GF Newman.
Traitors
Channel 4
Sunday 17 February, 9pm
As the Second World War ends, Feef Symonds (Emma Appleton) is training to be a spy and expects to be sent into Nazi territory. Instead, she finds herself in a desk job in the civil service as the chill of the Cold War begins to descend. A promising new spy thriller also stars Keeley Hawes and Michael Stuhlbarg.
Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle
BBC Four
Sunday 17 February, 10pm & 10.15pm
Playing out over eight monologues, this new series shown on four successive evenings explores the experience of West Indian immigrants to the UK. In the first episode, set in 1949, Eunice (Danielle Vitalis) reflects on how a year in London has changed her attitudes and expectations. Concludes on Wednesday 20 February.
Great British Railway Journeys
BBC Two
Monday 18 February, 6.30pm
Back on the rails for a final week in the current series, pastel-packing Michael Portillo begins his latest journey through Edwardian Britain in Warwick, where he hears a tale of scandal involving society hostess Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, the inspiration for the music hall song ‘Daisy, Daisy’.
A Very British History
BBC Four
Monday 18 February, 9pm
Poet Sue Brown explores the lives of Birmingham’s Caribbean community. It’s a story that begins with post-Second World War immigrants encountering prejudice and hostility, but also takes in the role of local black churches, music and the rise of Rastafarianism.
Making History
BBC Radio 4
Tuesday 19 February, 3.30pm
The current series of the history magazine show concludes with an episode where the theme is battle lines. Expect items on a fable of Nazi invasion, the earliest tanks and cross-dressing troops. Presented by Tom Lawrence and Iszi Lawrence.
Das Boot
Sky Atlantic
Wednesday 20 February, 9pm & 10.10pm
Penultimate double bill of the submarine drama, and the crew of U-612 swap their American passenger for a captured U-boat skipper. Divided loyalties, though, remain a problem. Back on dry land, Simone has fallen for guerrilla fighter Carla.
Back in Time for School
BBC Two
Thursday 21 February, 8pm
The living history time travellers arrive in the 1990s. It’s the decade of girl power, Gladiators and Britpop, but the first cultural landmark is Italia 90 and the trading of World Cup stickers. In the canteen, turkey drummers and potato smiley faces are on the fast-food menu.
